FIRE BOWLS: 5 ways this ancient artifact matters to a leader

Fire. Thousands of years ago, maintaining a fire was the key to keeping threats to a family's survival at bay. In ancient Ephesus, fire was kept by fire-keepers in temples. If a family's fire went out in their home, they had to take a ceramic bowl to a local temple and pay for hot coals. Sharing fire with others was considered an insult to pagan gods. A family that did not have a fire bowl or could not pay for coals faced a life-threatening situation because the religious leaders had monopolized the recreating of fire for profit. 

The early Christians, despite intense opposition from religious and political leaders, were known for running towards the most challenging situations and prioritizing the welfare of others. When a family’s fire went out, it was common for Christians to share fire bowls and coals quickly. 

There is a critical leadership analogy in that ancient historical account. Influential leaders run towards the most challenging situations and care for the welfare of others, even at a significant cost to themselves. 

Here are five ways leaders run with a fire bowl to their people

WARM OTHERS

Fire was critical to fighting back the harsh elements. It kept families warm on dangerously cold nights. Leaders must provide safety to others, protecting them against the harsh elements of organizational life. Leaders who respond quickly to assist their people through personal crises provide a warming fire. 

NOURISH OTHERS

Fire was a necessity for cooking. Ingredients were useless unless fire could bake, cook, and boil them to feed a family. Leaders need to nourish their teams so they have the energy to go out and perform at their best. Recognizing the hard work of a successful project or facilitating desired professional development experiences are great ways to provide a nourishing fire to teams.  

HEAL OTHERS

Fire was used to sterilize various things that ensured a family's health. Leaders should bring a fire to their people that heals them when things go poorly. This can look like fierce loyalty against detractors, loving accountability to perform at a high level, or changing to a better-fit position. Loyal leaders who hold others accountable and position members well provide a healing fire.  

ENLIGHTEN OTHERS

Fire was used to light homes and walking paths against the darkness of night. Leaders have to be lead learners and then share that learning with their teams. Teams know when they are on the ‘tip of the spear’ of best practice and encourage them as they know their path is lit well in pursuing their objectives. When leaders share and allow others to share their learning, they provide an enlightening fire. 

MODEL FOR OTHERS

The spread of Christianity was bolstered when those impacted by the courageous generosity of the Christians shared their fire bowls with others, too. These early Christians were an incredible model for others. So much of a leader’s cultural impact is caught, not taught. A leader who warms, nourishes, heals, and enlightens others will find that it will spread like wildfire as others model these essential behaviors. 

Leaders dare to bring the life-enhancing effects of fire for the welfare of others in their place of work. 

Keep on, keepin’ on, friends! 

Bite Down and Don’t Let Go is a collection of writings on relentlessly leading yourself and others well. Read about it more here. You can listen to the Bite Down and Don't Let Go podcast here! 

Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader with more than two decades of experience. He’s earned a few degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school sweetheart, and they have three children. Life is messy and complicated most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter for inspirational thoughts and good laughs.