The Gentleman Boss
Have you ever heard of Chester Alan Arthur?
Known as a man of elegant taste who loved to throw lavish parties, he has
been referred to in the history books as 'The Gentleman Boss'. To
quote his biography, "Chester Arthur was the fifth child of a fervent
abolitionist preacher who moved his family from one Baptist parish to the next
throughout New York and Vermont. Attending Union College, Arthur showed
far more interest in extracurricular activities and political
demonstrations than in his studies. As a young man, Arthur worked for one of
the most prominent law firms in New York City. He was involved in two cases
focusing on African American rights. One involved fugitive slaves while the
other centered on segregated streetcars. While the ruling party of his
time usually worked to protect big business and manufacturing, Arthur
pushed for tariff reduction to relieve indebted farmers and middle-class
consumers." He was born in my home state, Vermont, in a small town
called Fairfield, not many miles from where I grew up.
But let's leave the discussion of this man from
the Green Mountain State, and talk about another Gentleman Boss.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth was both a great boss, or leader, and was definitely
a gentleman. His manner of leadership, whether it be an entire group of
people, or even a single sinning individual, was gentle in heart and spirit.
Born in Bethlehem, Jesus was the first child of Mary, Joseph, and God.
His 'extracurricular activities' soon became known all of the world and have
existed to this day as the finest teachings of all times. Jesus was
a true gentleman who cared for the oppressed, the slaves, the weak.
His lavish parties were grandiose in comparison to Mr. Chester Alan Arthur's
showcasing of his family at social events; Jesus showcased the poor, the meek
and those seemingly incapable of helping themselves during the time of the
ruling of the Roman Empire. When Jesus DID rebuke people, he even did
that in a gentlemanly sort of way, simply stating facts and letting the people
convict themselves.
My military career covered 21 years. During
that time, I was afforded the opportunity many times to lead large groups of
people, both in peace and war. The first 10 or so years I earned a
reputation as a demanding leader, sometimes hot-headed, and often not too kind
in my manner of dealing out any form of punishment. One organization
even placed on my going-away plaque, a phrase which summarized my methods, one
of which I was proud of for awhile, until I realized there are better ways of
dealing with situations. That phrase was "The Mac Attack".
It was commonly known in my unit and other units around that I would 'go off'
on people in my organization who weren't performing up to standard. I
was NOT known as a gentleman commander. Eventually, however, I learned
the errors of my ways. I stopped yelling and screaming, and started
explaining and listening. When I did that (I suppose a lot like Jesus) I
noticed tremendous improvements in the performance of my people, as well as
the entire unit. I became a 'Gentleman Boss'.
I still enjoy leading in that manner. I TRY
to emulate Jesus in that aspect. My question to ya'll today, is that the
way you also lead your family and others? Do you put aside the yelling
and screaming at your spouse, your children and your friends? Instead,
do you use the teachings of Jesus to help explain inappropriate behavior?
Being a gentleman, or gentle woman, is much more rewarding than being a
tyrant. Jesus knew that, and taught it. I learned that, and am
trying to teach it. Chester Alan Arthur practiced it for many years, and
undoubtedly taught many people during his life. Who was Chester Alan
Arthur, 'The Gentleman Boss'? Who was this man who cared about poor
farmers, mistreated slaves and other groups of people who were oppressed in
some manner? Who was he who practiced what Jesus taught about kindness?
He was the 21st President of the United States.
Now you know, the REST of the story. Good Day!