Are you a hireling or shepherd leader? The reason I ask is I was reading a passage in John 10, where Jesus tells the parable of the good shepherd.
In this parable, Jesus describes a good shepherd in contrast to a hired hand. The difference between a shepherd and a hired hand struck me as especially important for us as leaders.
The Good Shepherd
In this section, Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd and says a good shepherd gives his life for his sheep:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Additionally, Jesus said the good shepherd knows his sheep by name, and they know him:
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14)
So, a good shepherd has a close relationship with his sheep. The shepherd and the sheep know each other very well. More importantly, the shepherd cares about his sheep’s welfare and will protect them – even if it means giving up his own life.
The Hired Hand
Jesus continues the parable describing a hired hand who does not own the sheep:
“But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.” (John 10:12-13 NKJV)
So, because the hired hand doesn’t own the sheep, he doesn’t care about them the same way as the shepherd. The hired hand doesn’t have a close relationship with the sheep. When danger threatens the flock, the hired hand runs away to protect himself, leaving the sheep to defend themselves.
A Start Difference
In Jesus’ parable, the contrast between a shepherd and a hired hand is stark.
The shepherd has a close, caring relationship with the sheep.
Meanwhile, to the hired hand, caring for the sheep is just a job – it’s a way to make a living. The hired hand doesn’t have a close relationship with the sheep and will not place himself in danger to protect the sheep!
Parallel to Leaders Today
I’ve had the privilege of knowing many entrepreneurs over the years. I would describe most as shepherd leaders. They care deeply for their businesses and the people they employ.
I have also known managers and executives in big businesses with that same sense of ownership. They care about the business as if it were their own and do everything they can to protect and serve their employees.
However, on the flip side, I’ve known a few entrepreneurs and business executives who acted more like hired hands. Their concern for the business and the employees is limited to their selfish desires. How can this business make me rich? How can I use these employees to advance my career? How can I distance myself from problems and throw the blame on someone or somewhere else?
Are You A Hireling or Shepherd Leader?
Whether you work in a big business or are an entrepreneur, it behooves us to consider the question, “Are we behaving like a hireling or a shepherd leader?
The shepherd leader leads just like an owner. They care about the business, employees, suppliers, and customers. They are fully vested in the success of the business and all the business partners.
The hireling leader has a different mindset. The hireling leads out of selfish desires rather than for the good of the organization.
In my experience, there are shepherd leaders and hireling leaders in every organization.
Which one are you?
More Articles
I have written several articles on servant leadership. You can find them by typing “Servant Leadership” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are five of my favorites.
- #408: Three Reasons Leaders Fail to Serve Others
- #374: Is Serving What We Are Called to Do?
- #309: Do You Know This Servant-Hearted Seamstress Who Caused A Revival?
- #147: Is Being a Servant Leader Really a Good Thing?
- #118: Whatever You Did for the Least of these Employees, You Did for Me
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Have you worked with leaders who acted like hired hands instead of shepherds? What impact did their leadership style have on the organization?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because of people like you who share it with friends. Would you be kind enough to share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Relationships | Servant Leadership
When I was a police chief, I always came in early in the morning, to greet the off-going night shift, and sit in on the day shift roll-call. I enjoyed the interactions and officer’s stories about their tours of duty. Just by showing up and listening, the officers knew I cared about them and their success. I think to be a good shepherd leader, you have to show up and listen. If the people you work with only see you when you want something or they’re in trouble, you won’t build rapport.
I couldn’t agree more, John! The leader who shows his or her interest through their presence and their willingness to listen is a shepherd leader at heart. We need more shepherd leaders today!