Am I a Pharisaical Leader?
Dictionaries define “pharisaical” as hypocritically self-righteous, condemnatory, excessively pious, holier-than-thou, sanctimonious, phony or two-faced. In essence, we can be viewed as pharisaical whenever we claim or pretend to be one thing, but are seen as imperfectly carrying it off (can I get an “Amen”?!). When we strongly proclaim one value system, yet are frequently viewed as living based on another, we’re guilty of pharisaical “compartmentalizing” in such a way to compromise our integrity, testimony and example.
For those of us who lead organizations, Pharisees can easily bring to mind the ‘malicious compliance’ we sometimes see in the workplace, where folks seem to be following orders and doing their job, but ultimately aren’t doing so for the right reasons or with the best interest of the owner in mind. They believe they’re winning a self-serving game in which they’ve taken a ‘safe’ route, but have in fact become an enemy! When we lead a firm as unrepentant hypocrites – valuing our pride, image and outwardly righteous façade (versus transparently living under Christ’s Lordship and ministering to others from the overflow of a thankful heart) – we actually encourage such destructive behavior and become a stumbling block for others!
Have You Ever…
When contrasting our actual behavior with Biblical servant leadership [e.g., the fruit of the Spirit (“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”), Jesus’ teaching in The Sermon on the Mount (merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, etc.), or the Greatest Commandments (e.g., “Love your neighbor as yourself”)], we all fall far short of the mark! But many of us give those watching even more justification to use the label of hypocrite when talking about us. See if you can identify with any of the following personal behaviors:
- Quick to anger, especially when under pressure or embarrassed
- First takes care of himself and his favorite people
- Prideful; loves to boast and talk about herself and her story (not the Lord)
- Models “Do as I say, not as I do” by requiring subordinates to do things he won’t
- Uses Christianity as a self-glorifying marketing tool, not as an effective outreach
- So busy and focused on the task (or law) that she misses the spirit of the law
- Doesn’t mind anonymously cutting corners or grabbing undeserved windfalls
- Judgmental; claims to speak “the truth in love,” but really just likes to ‘butt in’
- Blind to those with issues and needs (not a servant…really want to be served)
- Always honors standing weekly golf game, even when team members are in crisis
- Is often anxious even while claiming to maintain an eternal perspective
You can probably easily add to this list of behaviors that destroy trust with those in our care. Everyone the Lord has put in our path deserves an opportunity to deeply consider the claims of Christ. What might you be doing that hinders this process?
One Response 
Leave a Reply 
A talented and experienced personal advisory board of like-minded Christian business Owners and CEOs, all committed to your personal, business and eternal success. 
No refunds except as related to C12 error or timely cancellation of reservations for C12 events such as conferences and seminars.
Do you plan to keep this site updated? I sure hope so… its great!