Parables of Leadership
As of age 35, Alexander Djerassi became a diplomat, lawyer, and entrepreneur. He believes in parables of servant leadership, and there are many. In the Bible, the Book of Matthew 20:20-28, Jesus tells His disciples that those who want to lead must be willing to serve others, and put themselves last, if need be. Djerassi has a servant heart and has proven that by being on the board of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He works in Foreign Policy with the Middle East, and North Africa. He takes his leadership role to serve in a mighty way. True leadership is about grace and generosity, not being a bully and a tyrant. He has even helped his Grandmother in helping Holocaust Survivors.
The Harvard Business Review also has parables of leadership that align with Djerassi’s beliefs. These parables teach about the value of humility, commitment, and unspoken needs being heard. These parables are:
1. The Sound of the Forest.
2. Fire and Water.
3. The Lessons of the Babbling Brook.
4. The Wisdom of the Mountain.
5. The Wheel and the Light.
Being a humble leader is a tall order, and a beautiful thing. A true leader thinks about the best interests of the people. An arrogant and proud leader tends to be a tyrant.
What exactly is a parable? A parable is a story that teaches a moral principle. They are written and told in such a way as to get it’s listeners and readers to think on a higher level. Parables are common in Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, and Zorastrianism.
In the Bible, there are many parables that Jesus told. Here is a list from the Book of Matthew:
1. The Lamp.
2. The Speck and the Log.
3. New Cloth on Old Garment.
4. The Divided Kingdom.
5. The Sower.
6. The Weeds Among the Wheat.
7. The Mustard Seed.
8. The Leaven.
9. Hidden Treasure.
10. The Pearl of Great Price.
11. The Net.
12. The Heart of Man.
13. The Lost Sheep.
14. The Unforgiving Servant.
15. The Laborers in the Vineyard.
16. The Two Sons.
17. The Tenant Farmers.
18. The Marriage Feast.
19. The Budding Fig Tree.
20. The Faithful Verses the Wicked Servant.
21. The 10 Virgins.
22. The Ten Talents of Gold Coins.
There are also some different parables in the Book of Luke:
1. The Good Samaritan.
2. The Friend at Midnight.
3. The Rich Fool.
4. The Barren Fig Tree.
5. The Invited Guests.
6. The Lost Coin.
7. The Prodigal Son.
8. The Rich Man and Lazarus.
9. The Persistent Widow.
10. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
All of these parables teach about the things that really matter kindness, generosity, love, wisdom, patience, forgiveness, gentleness, humility, understanding, compassion, and empathy. Alexander Djerassi believes all of these qualities make a strong leader. In order to be a good leader, you must also be a good person. Parables give powerful instructions on how to be a good person, and why.