John Crossman talks about Joseph, the CEO of the Old Testament
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.
John Crossman (courtesy Landen Connor Photography)
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 and get me out of this prison. … The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. (Genesis 40:13-14, 23, NIV)
Remember and support people you know and respect. Leave positive reviews when a business has served you well or you’ve read a book you enjoyed.
Who is going to come to your funeral?
So Joseph went up to bury his father. All Pharaoh’s officials accompanied him—the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt—besides all the members of Joseph’s household and his brothers and those belonging to his father’s household. Only their children and their flocks and herds were left in Goshen. Chariots and horsemen also went up with him. It was a very large company. (Genesis 50:7-9, NIV)
Think about who is likely to come to your funeral and why.
Joseph’s story is one of resilience, reality, pain, and hope—and it can guide you as you navigate your own story.
To learn more about John Crossman, including how to hire him as a speaker or consultant, visit Crossmancb.com.
Jacquelyn's latest book is Christian Business Almanac: The Ultimate Daily Guide for Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneurs and Leaders.
She is the author of the nonfiction books Simple Facts About Self-Publishing (Second Edition), Words to Work By: 31 devotions for the workplace based on the Book of Proverbs and Finding Joy in the Morning: You can make it through the night as well as the novel Choices (A Joyful Cup Story). With her husband, she is the co-creator of several coloring books for adults and the novelty My Book About series.
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