You’ve probably heard of the prodigal son, and you probably also know it originates from a story Jesus told. (you can read it here)

What you probably don’t think about is how it relates to your company.

Oh boy, does it.

Here are lessons from this story that we can apply to business today:

1. The son wanted instant gratification.
‘Father, I want right now what’s coming to me.’
It’s part of human nature. We want what’s coming to us NOW. Employees are no different. Don’t expect them to easily embrace long-range goals and rewards.

2. The father let his son make a mistake.
“So the father divided the property between them.”
We spend so much time, energy and other resources saving people from their mistakes or preventing them from failing that we keep them from learning the lessons that come along with the experience.

Counter the question, “Can I afford for him to make this mistake?” with “Can I afford for him to not learn the lesson?” Mistakes are investments.

3. The son knew he could return.
“I’m going back to my father.”
We join this story in the middle of life. The father has raised his sons with a knowledge of who their daddy is. He is not unforgiving. He will let them return.

Do you instill that same confidence in your employees? Do you dispense grace or punishment?

4. The son was greeted before he got to the door.
“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.”
In the culture of Jesus’ time, someone like this prodigal son would be shamed as he tried to re-enter his home town. The father knew this. He beat the accusers to the punch by running to his son before they could judge him.
Do you leave your employees to the wolves when they make a mistake? What if you beat the accusers to the punch? Show acceptance before they can judge.

5. The father did not demote his son.
“Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.”
If we assign someone to a role in our company, does one mistake (even a huge one) mean they would perform better in a lesser role? Like lesson #2 states, maybe they learn from the mistake. Maybe now they’re even better suited for the role they’ve assumed.

6. The older brother was embittered.
“The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in [celebrating his brother's return].”
Be prepared. Forgiveness may upset competent coworkers. Those who feel they don’t need grace may not be happy when others receive it.

7. The return was celebrated.
“We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time!”
Do you celebrate the lessons learned? Do you celebrate risks taken? Mistakes do not necessitate failures. Celebrate growth. Celebrate the community that stimulates growth.