When Robert Johnson was a child, his father, a pharmacist, developed a superior antiseptic bandage. The product proved so effective that his father formed a partnership with his two brothers to manufacture and market the bandages. They called the company, Johnson & Johnson.
Young Robert started as a mill worker in the company at seventeen, skipped college and continued to learn the business. At 25 he was a vice-president and president and chairman of the board by 45. Under his guidance the company expanded into 120 countries and increased revenue from $11 million per year to over a $billion per year.
Robert was an instinctive leader who inspired others. Once when he was the mayor of Highland Park, New Jersey, he was hosting a formal dinner for twenty VIP guests when an angry citizen called him at the event. She informed the mayor that her trash had not been picked up and called him “a lousy mayor”.
Robert excused himself, and still in formal wear, drove to the woman’s house, where he apologized to the woman, placed the trash in his car and drove it to the city dump.
James Burke, who later became CEO of Johnson & Johnson, related that he was sent to Robert’s office to explain why his new product idea had failed and cost the company $865,000.
Expecting to be fired, he was shocked when Robert congratulated him on his boldness and willingness to try new ideas. He then promoted Burke.
These are the actions of a true leader. Robert Johnson is an excellent example of leadership that works and inspires others.
If God has entrusted you with responsibility, fulfill His purpose as a “true leader”.
The Bible says in Luke 12:48, …when someone has been given much, much will be required in return…” NLT
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