What Can Joseph Teach Us About Business?
John Crossman talks about Joseph, the CEO of the Old Testament
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When John Crossman spoke to the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce, he had some amazing insight about what businesspeople can learn from Joseph (Genesis 37–50). My notes from John’s presentation:
CEOs tend to be visionaries. Joseph was a visionary.
It’s great to have dreams and visions, but not everyone wants to hear about them.
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. (Genesis 37:5, NIV)
Be discerning about with whom and when you share your dreams. Only share your dreams with people who are strong and will be honest with you.
What should you do if someone shares a dream with you?
If you feel jealous, don’t offer any advice.
If you don’t know something, say so.
Be willing to point out what you feel are challenges with the dream.
You can have a great dream and it will still all go wrong.
John put it this way: “You can have a great dream and still go to jail.” Even though we are people of faith and have visions, know that it might not go well — and it might not be your fault that it doesn’t.
Even when you are not happy to be where you are, get passionate about it. John said, “Wherever God puts us, we need to crush it.” Come in early, stay late, take initiative, go the extra mile.
Draw boundaries.
Healthy Christians set boundaries and don’t let others take advantage of them. Don’t let yourself get wrapped up in someone else’s craziness — be discerning.
Don’t be a cupbearer.
Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh…
