The key element in business management is the ability to understand when to delegate the staff and then delegate the authority necessary to accomplish the task. In Scripture we see a wonderful example. Jesus was attending a wedding and the wine had run out for the guest. Scripture relates that his mother asked Jesus to fill the need. Then “His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5 NIV) with these few words Jesus was given the total and complete authority and any tools that he may require to accomplish the miracle of his ministry.

When managing staff, you may come to a point of frustration when communication has clearly failed. You may even find it necessary to dismiss an employee who simply doesn't listen or who doesn’t execute instructions or policy that you have clearly articulated.

We see an example in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. (For full account, see Luke 16:19-31) In the parable, Lazarus was ill, poor and begging for help near the home of a rich man. Day after day the rich man refused to help Lazarus. When death took each of them, Lazarus went to heaven while the rich man was in torment. The rich man wanted to be sent back to his five brothers so they would have an opportunity to repent and change their behavior. From heaven Abraham spoke to the rich man and told him that “they have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them.” (Luke 16:29, NASB)

The rich man said “If someone goes to them from the dead they will repent.” (Luke 16:30, NASB). But Abraham responded: ”If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:31, NASB). While the scripture speaks of spiritual matters, the same principle applies in business.

When working with staff, you have a responsibility to clearly communicate what you expect. It is your responsibility to support employees in ways that help them to be successful. From time to time, you will encounter an employee where instructions don't take. After repeating your instructions over a reasonable period of time, you may need to look at terminating somebody who simply will not respond.

Part of the lesson from scripture is that the rich man had access to the writings of Moses, the story of Abraham, and the teaching of prophets sent by God. However, the rich man simply ignored what was available to him. The issue was not whether a man was rich or poor. The lesson is that one placed his trust in the teaching of the prophets while the other man did not.

Think through how to work with any staff member who fails to listen and respond to your instructions. Be very clear with your teaching and directions. Engage in direct conversations when someone fails to follow what you say. If everything you do does not effect change, dismissal may be the only option.

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One of the benefits of reading scripture is reading the stories that chronicle so many lives.  We have an opportunity to learn about their character.  Paul understood this when he wrote, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB)

A new employee will watch closely when we train them. Think about your example. Ask yourself if everything you do is something that should be imitated.

You know how important it is to delegate. The catch is learning the balance between delegating and releasing the person to effectively follow through. There is a fine line between delegating and micro-managing.  Do you know the difference?

Most sales people don’t like cold calling. We prefer leads that are red hot or at least warm. In my business of marketing franchises, I buy some leads that are warm. For me the cost of buying warm leads saves me time that I would have to commit to cold calling.