Stewarding People Leads to Great Cultures

By: Ricky Harper, C12 Northwest Florida Principal Chairman

Some years ago, I serviced imaging equipment in hospitals. Two of the hospitals I frequented, just miles apart, had strikingly different cultures. At one facility, every member of the staff from the CEO to the janitor was energized, happy, engaged, and genuinely made me feel welcome.  At the other hospital, each encounter was difficult, stressful, and depressing. I usually left that place angry and I always left in a hurry.  Which hospital do you think got my best work?

Clearly, at the first hospital, senior leadership was focused on culture. They intentionally built and maintained a flourishing environment where relationships were as important as profit. It has been said that culture eats strategy for breakfast, and these leaders had personified that sentiment.

As Christian CEOs, we understand that we are but ‘stewards’ of the businesses God gives us to lead. We acknowledge that it is His business, which means we are but stewards of the people in that business. They are not our employees—they are God’s—and He tells us quite clearly how we are supposed to steward those he blesses us to lead:

1 Peter 5:2-3 says, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, not lording over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock.”

We see Jesus modeling stewardship in several passages of scripture, but none more emphatically than when he washed the disciples’ feet. Jesus had a servant’s heart, and we should strive to lead this way as well. 

The culture of your business reflects who you are. So, if you want a great culture, be a steward of the people you lead. Be focused on their needs, and take an interest in their dreams and struggles. Be caring of your people, and get to know the lives they lead away from work. As their employer, you can change their lives—not just financially, but in many other (if not all) aspects of their existence. This is stewardship, and it is the foundation of a great culture. 

Steward your employees—don’t just manage them. This will allow you to build a vibrant, welcoming culture that not only attracts business, but also improves retention, lowers theft, draws better talent, and reduces your exposure to legal issues. Isn’t that worth the effort?