How We Treat People is Key

Leadership is all about how we treat people. Paul emphasizes this point in his letter to Timothy. Using Socio-Rhetorical analysis we see a progression in respect to the leaders (The Bishop’s) dealing with people. The progression is in how the leader deals with:
A) One Person – “Self Controlled; Not Violent; Not Quarrelsome” (1 Timothy 3:2-3)
B) Family – “Manage his own family well” (1 Timothy 3:4)
C) All People – “Good Reputation with Outsiders” (1 Timothy 3:7)
This is, as Paul makes clear, important in the church, but it is also key in successful leadership and organizational development. This is supported by Jeffrey Pfeffer in his book (The Human Equation) as he declares: “the most important source for organizational success is how companies treat their people! This confirms what all good leaders know: people are an organization’s most important asset! Organizations need to place a premium of their people by putting them first.” Paul has a desire for his “spiritual son” (Timothy) to be successful in his leadership role as a Bishop. If we are to be successful in our organizational development we, like Timothy of old, must be mindful of how we treat people. 1 Timothy 3:2-7 is a model that can be used by leaders in any organizational construct.