Stress Is Relative

I've found every person, no matter how busy or not, thinks the level of stress in their life is high. I have a friend who always recites his everyday duties like they were the grand plan of the next world war. He frets over the stress all these things make for his life. I never meet up with him that he doesn't recite the litany of stress events. It used to irritate me to death to sit through one of his tirades. My job entailed situations that at times held human life in balance. My friend was clueless on what stress could be to other people.

As I talked with more and more people in the course of mentoring or teaching, I found virtually everyone thinks their particular life is filled with a maximum amount of stress. All people feel they are a hair's width from breaking. I was able to put aside my "give me a break, you are clueless" attitude towards most of these folks because they are sincere. Most aren't being dramatic or exaggerating, they simply develop the perception of their level of stress for the maximum situations in THEIR LIVES. If their life consists of sleeping at the low end and taking out the trash as their high stress level, taking out the trash becomes their measure of extreme stress. If the low end is sleeping and the high end is fighting terrorist in Iraq, the fighting becomes their high end stress level. Both people feel their high end stress level is maximum. Much like the Parkinson's Law: "Work expands to fill the time available." The law of stress is, "Stress expands to fill our maximum perception level."

There is a point where people are maxing out on stress. As a supervisor, it is necessary to understand if an employee is filling their maximum perception level or if they are actually meeting the top level of their stress handling capabilities.

Gently adding duties to a person who's perception is being fulfilled is necessary to expand the amount of work accomplished and to use this person to their fullest capabilities. Gently adding work allows them to acclimate to their new situation and level out their emotions.

A well balanced stable employee will be able to handle unexpected increases in stress levels. They are the employees who step forward in times of chaos and emergency and perform exemplary.

Other employees love being in their low level of productivity while maintaining their perception of maximum stress. It's not that they can't improve or cope, they simply enjoy the lack of pressure and stimulation additional work responsibilities entail. When you have tried to gently add duties and this employee refuses to move out of this level, it is time for performance documentation and ramifications.

Finally, you may have employees who emotionally find it difficult to move out of their perception of maximum stress. They may be mentally or emotionally immature or fragile. If it is a long term or permanent situation, you will need to decide if the job can continue to be done by someone on this level or does it need more. You may need to decide to move this employee to another, more compatible position. Or, if the business requires more than they can emotionally give to survive, you may need to terminate their employment.

For you, as supervisor, being able to appraise the stress level situations and perceptions of your employees is vital to managing your workforce. Understanding and patience are necessary as is realizing perception is true for these employees. Your job, in addition to evaluating, is to manage and introduce new truths in a way that will compliment the work and the employee.

When Supervision is Not For You

You have dreamed of a management position for years and finally you are promoted into supervision. At some point into the job, you find the job isn't what you had anticipated and you want out. This is not all that rare but the sad thing is many of these supervisors stay because a perceived stigma surrounding quitting.

The company will generally put some pressure on supervisors to stay in their positions because of the time and cost of training you and a replacement. A company should invest quite a bit of money into training supervisors. This training takes time. The experience to be really good can take years to accumulate. Loosing all this is not what the company wants to happen.

The employees may put pressure on themselves for not wanting to feel as if they had failed. They may be embarrassed to go back into a former or non-supervisory position. It may be difficult to take a cut in pay.

The family may have taken pride in your promotion and they may feel let down by the change. Family members may have been counting on the increase in pay. They may be embarrassed to tell others for fear of gossip.

You may have heard employees talk behind the back of others who have returned to former positions. They may make derogatory remarks or judgments.

Some people are not cut out to be supervisors. It is one of the hardest jobs from small business owners to corporations. Some companies make the supervisors' jobs even more difficult by failure to provide training, support and compensation. Often it is a thankless job.

A supervisor must have the inner drive to do a good job for his/her own self. The self that requires leadership, the desire to help others be the best, the desire to have your company succeed due to strong leadership at every level. A supervisor has to be willing to stay awake nights praying, thinking, and figuring what is right and what is wrong. I think a supervisor can be made great with training, good example, and patience. That supervisor must have some inner ability and desire to succeed.

If you find you are in supervision and you know you don't have that burning desire to continue, I suggest the following: I'd advise prayer. Make sure the Lord hasn't directed you to this position and make sure the Lord still doesn't want you in this position. If you feel you are not being led to stay, then find out your options. Are you allowed to bump back or return to the former job? Are you guaranteed a job if you decide to leave supervision or could your employment be terminated? Will you loose seniority, benefits and retirement options? Is your family supportive? Is turning down the job the same as killing a career? Does the company refuse to promote individuals who have requested getting out? Is there an option of staying in management without the responsibility of supervising others?

If you do return to your old job or you go back to something outside your company, is it fulfilling enough to become your career? Did you become a supervisor because you wanted to be a supervisor or because it was just an opportunity to get out of another job you hated? Is it time to investigate the rest of the world for jobs that might utilize your abilities and desires? Is it time to go back to school and be eligible for other options?

It is important to have a job or career that is satisfying whether it be in management or in another portion of the business. It is important to stay positive about your decisions and options. It is important to keep a good sense of self worth. Stepping down from supervision does not necessarily mean you are not a good supervisor. I've had some excellent supervisors who chose to get out. It tore them up inside to handle all the people issues. Life is too short to be in a position where you may be unsuitable. If you and the Lord have discussed the issue and you feel strongly it's time to step away, then step away. It takes a strong person to be confident in his and the lord's commitment to change.

Romans 16:19 "For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil."

Supervising the Differences

All men are created equal. Not all employees are the same. How you supervise employees from different cultures will be a mark of the integrity you possess. An example:

The fastest growing minority in our area is the Hispanic population. I had several employees, who worked directly for me, that were of Hispanic decent. Here are some ideas for supervising that these good employees allowed me to learn.

Although the rest of the community may pronounce their name in a particular way, make sure you understand how it is correctly pronounced in their native dialect. Respecting a person's name and how it is spoken by their family is important. It is the first step towards valuing who they are.

Understand their family and cultural values. Because most Hispanic families have a high respect for their elders, for women, for their religion, for their traditions, and for authority, they often react in a specific way in the business world. Because they have such a high degree of respect for others and have been taught how to act in a highly respectful way, their actions may be misinterpreted. They may allow others to make incorrect assumptions about them rather than correct or embarrass someone. They may appear to not have an opinion of their own when in fact they may be showing their superior (boss) respect. When a meeting is very noisy and ideas being thrown around, they may not step into the fray because of being taught to let the other person speak first. They may not come to you or offer advice, criticism, or comments because they may have been taught to only respond when directly asked a question. They may find it difficult to approach a woman supervisor because they have been taught to view all women within the same hierarchy of their family. They are generally reverent toward womanhood which can make confrontation confusing. They are loyal. They will normally stand by their friends, family, supervisors and company even when others may not deserve the loyalty. Hispanic females may have been taught to be subservient to authority and to men. It can be a part of the hierarchy of the traditional generational family. It sounds as if they are the ideal employees - and in many ways they are. Your job is to make sure you recognize these qualities, make sure you use them to benefit both the company and the employee, and finally, make sure you mentor them on how to perform well within your company.

I found some of these tactics worked well in developing employees who might have similar characteristics:

In an effort not to draw attention to a quiet employee, I found going around the table asking for advice, opinions, and reports allowed them to contribute without my having to publicly single them out for more. It also keeps the more vocal employees from dominating.

I found explaining to them in private what was to be expected helped them think about things prior to being thrown in a big group. It allowed them to plan on stepping out of their comfort zone. It may be difficult for them to be assertive in office situations which are very competitive and confrontational. Asking their opinions and ideas outside of the larger meetings can help.

Because open affection is often a part of their family heritage, it is important to not use words or actions that could be misinterpreted as personally affectionate. It is also necessary to understand, because of their high respect for others, they may use words of affection towards you but it is not meant as sexual harassment or as a gender bias. I had an employee who always addressed me as "pretty lady". I was considering having a little talk with him until I realized he called every female from birth to elderly "pretty lady". It was his way of complementing the gender as a whole. To him all females were ladies and therefore pretty.

Men may refer to their mothers as "like the Virgin Mary" and their wives as "the old lady". Neither should be taken as negative towards women. And neither are any of your business.

Women may refer to their fathers as "iron fisted" and their husbands as "my old man". Neither should be taken negative towards men. Women from traditional families may have a hard time balancing work and the many demands at home. They may find it very difficult to come to their supervisor with problems at work, difficulties balancing the family/work, or problems with other employees. They seldom want to make any trouble for anyone to the point they may suffer in silence. It is your job to make sure they are not suffering in silence and that they do not have derogatory things happening to them at work from other employees or from customers.

As with all of our families' heritage, the Hispanic employees have many beautiful and strong things to bring to others and the work place. You, as their supervisor, must help them blossom and contribute. You must work and mentor with them to use those strong ethics in a productive way. In the process of teaching others, you will also learn many things that can build you into a better person and employee. Supervising differences can be a blessing to you both.

As God respects in Leviticus 26:9 "For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you." Can we strive to do less when we supervise the differences?

Micro Managing

Do you want your employees to be an asset to the company and you?

How often do you do some task that belongs to one of your employees? When is the last time you said, "If I don't do it, it won't get done"? If an employee has their own way (different than your way) of doing a task, do you require them to change to your way? Even if the end result gets the job done? How often do your employees have to stop doing their job because you have interrupted to find out if they are doing their job?

Micro Managers may be insecure or they may be control freaks. Their ego may make them think only they can save the world or they may be afraid of failure. In either cases, it will lessen the effectiveness of your department and your employees. Bottom line is Micro Managing makes you look like a poor supervisor.

If employees have been given a clear set of instructions for their job functions and projects, you will not need to step in with additional instructions. If the employees have been given a clear set of deadlines, which may include scheduled updates, you will not need to interrupt to check. If the employees have been given a clear description of ramifications for failure to produce the product, then you will not need to threaten. If the employees have been given a clear statement of what the end result should be, you do not need to pound them over the head with prodding. You must also have clear performance guidelines and goals for the project that are doable. Setting your levels of expectation higher than is possible, will also prove you do not have a grasp on the realities of supervisory duties.

The clear set of instructions comes from you, their supervisor. That is why Micro Managing reflects on your inability to give clear instructions and your inability to keep out of the mix unless there are problems where you need to be involved.

Ah, there you go: "problems where you need to be involved." That is not an excuse to Micro Manage. It is where there are unforeseen circumstances or events. If your employees have a clear set of instructions on what to do when this happens, they will come to you. They will not come to you if they know it will open the door to your messing with the process instead of eliminating the unforeseen circumstance.

A Micro Manager creates more useless work, more frustration, more disloyalty, less actual finished products and more inferior products. Their employees spend more time complaining, regrouping, sabotaging and transferring out of the department.

I have also found most Micro Managers have a tendency to lie. They rationalize (yes, that is lying), push the blame to others (lie), make excuses (lie), and never take responsibility for their failure to mature as a leader (lie). Micro Managing is, in fact, leadership immaturity. In spite of the the Micro Manager's talk, sooner or later, their boss will figure out they aren't performing to the level of maturity they should for the company. They will finally realize it isn't an entire department of slackers but the leader of the department at fault. Isn't it better to recognize if you have this level of leadership immaturity and seek to grow?

Proverbs 23:3 "Through wisdom is a house builded; and by understanding it is established."

Pass The Salt

Yesterday, I talked about written correspondence. Today, I'll talk about table manners. OH, PLEASE, you say? I did not work with a bunch of ill bred Neanderthals, but I've seen about every example of bad table manners at both local and high level dinner and social meetings. As with other business manners, poor table manners can kill a career as surely as the words that come out your mouth. Here are some tips:

Every single time the wait staff asks you something, or you ask them for something, or they bring you something say, "Please or Thank you". They are working people, just like you, and they deserve your respect. If you show little respect for those who have jobs less than yours or in service to others, you are showing your ego and pride are out of proportion to your business skills. In an effort to show you are a big cheese, you are actually showing you have a little personality.

Here are some nevers and some always:

Never talk with food in your mouth. Nothing you have to say is so important that showing others half chewed food or spitting food is necessary.

Never put your elbows, arms, feet, hands on the table when you are eating. Allowing for American or European traditions, put the hand you are not using in your lap.

Always tip for service. If you have an issue with the service, talk with the manager in private. Do not make a scene at the table. Being cheap is not good business when tipping. 15% is average - 20% is traditional. If you can't afford to tip, don't go out.

If you are on an expense account or the company is hosting the event, never eat just the expensive things or eat and drink in excess. It is very low class to "stiff" the company when you are a company person.

Never drink alcoholic beverages in excess. If you feel you must have alcohol, a good rule is nurse/hold one drink the entire event. Any more than one drink and it becomes a social event and you will not be thinking about business. All business events are business. It is foolish to think you can "let loose" at a company function. You are being watched to see if you behave well under social conditions. Drinking a lot or too much is a killer for a career. It is all right to refuse alcoholic drinks and it needs no explanation. If you are pressed, just a simple "I don't care for any, thank you." or "I prefer soda or coffee, or water, thank you." If you feel extreme pressure and don't know what to do, personally go to the bartender and order a club soda, ginger ale, or water on ice. It will cause the drinkers to not focus on whether your drinking. Never make a big public deal about your drinking preferences. You are not there to convert others to join AA or pressure others into a drink, you simply need to take care of yourself.

Dinner utensils are arranged for use from the outside in towards the plate. If you are unsure what to use, wait for the boss or hosts to start. Use your salad fork on your salad and then put it on the plate when done. Use your dinner knife for things on your plate that need cutting. Use your steak knife for meat. Use your soup (larger) spoon for soup and when done lay it on the saucer under the bowl or leave in the bowl. Lay your utensils on your plate when you are done. Only use your small bread saucer and rounded butter knife for bread & butter. Do not take the last piece of anything.

Always watch your hosts for clues. If they order dessert, you can order. If they order steak, you can order. If they order appetizer, you can order. Never order more than they order. You can always eat more at home. Sounds silly but remember the primary purpose is not to feed you; it is business. If you go to a simple social hour, do not eat as if it is your last meal. A few snacks to be polite is enough. If your hosts happen to have poor manners, simply and quietly stick to your good manners. Others will appreciate it and you will know you are being respectful of others.

Never purpose a toast unless it is your assigned duty. It may be viewed as embarrassing or kissing up.

Never sit, stand, or eat before the guest of honor or the hosts. That includes each course of the meal.

Never feel the need to entertain others with stories and jokes. Unless you are the guest of honor, someone else is there to be heard. You should always remember you are there to listen and learn.

Small talk matters. Showing those near you respect by asking them interesting questions and then listening. They will end up feeling good about you and you may learn something interesting about someone new. It is a good way to make business contacts and get to know them in a more personal way. That will allow you to do business with them in a more relaxed way in the future. It also keeps you busy.

Do not corner the boss or other higher ranking employees or contacts. Never use the time to overtly push your agenda. If the boss wants to know more, the boss will ask more. The boss will always have an agenda for the event and your dominating their time can be irritating. It's a mistake to irate the boss.

Unless you have been given specific dress instructions, always assume you should dress in business apparel. Keep repeating to yourself: this is business not social. If in doubt, ask the boss's assistant.

Don't rely on other employees to tell you the straight of what to do at business gatherings. They may mislead you because they are clueless or because they enjoy seeing you make mistakes.

If your gathering is in conjunction with an over night trip; do not be the last to leave. Do not use it as a filler for your entire evening. Do not go to or bring anyone to a hotel/motel room. Do not go with the group to another club.

Shake hands when you meet someone. BUT, be sure to understand the customs of guests from different cultures. If you know someone will be there which requires different customs, study on what is proper before you go. Especially be sure to study the customs if you are visiting another country. It shows respect to have taken the time to become familiar with others customs for manners. We did not get the title "Ugly American" by chance. Don't be one. It reflects on your company as well as yourself. It is alright to use your customs and manners in other situations but respect others customs also.

Don't feel pressured to eat unfamiliar food. Learn to pick and move food rather than offend your hosts. If you are asked for dietary preferences and have them, tell them prior to the event. If you were not asked and it is a strong preference or strong allergy, then quietly find something that will work or fake it. You can always eat later. You will not starve to death on one evening or one lunch. At a business event, no one wants to hear about your current diet, your food allergy, your save the plant ethics, or other personal issues. It is not about you - it is business.

The point of good table manners is for no one to notice you have bad manners. It is to show respect for others at the table, your hosts, and those serving you. Having good table manners elevates you to a higher level of performance. It is a part of your integrity.

Please and Thank You

If you had someone teach you good manners when you were growing up or if you have been in the service, you are ahead of the game in the working world. Good manners matter. They show you have respect for others, you are aware of how to present yourself, you are aware of how you represent your company, and you appear to know how to behave in the upper echelons of company hierarchy. Good manners is one of those things no one will tell you about but it is very important to your career.

You may be told using short cuts in written correspondence is smart and current. Taking short cuts with politeness in written business correspondence is foolish. Because of generational and cultural differences, acronyms and abbreviations can be confusing and misleading. It also can be perceived as trying to show the reader you know more than they know. Unless you are positive everyone who will read your correspondence understands, write the meaning out at least once. The point is not to show off, the point is to endear yourself to the reader.

If you don't know how to write a business letter or memo, get a book on composing business correspondence. They are cheap or go to the library. The salutation is Dear ________. Do not use nicknames or only the first name if you have not met the person or if they have not given you permission. Use their title correctly. Most people have worked to attain those titles, it shows respect to use them. If you know the person, use Dear Dr. Smith, (note the comma). If you do not know the person or it's a formal relationship, use Dear Dr. Smith: (note the punctuation) Never use these general descriptions anywhere in the letter: Dude, Guy, Gal, Babe, Doc or the madrid of others.

Do not use flowery or unnecessary phrases in business letters aside from a brief concern (if needed). Business letters should refrain from any personal comments or observations. Most business letters will be filed (either in paper form or on back up computer files) for at least seven years. Your correspondence, no matter how innocent, can be used in lawsuits as evidence. Humor or personal observations can put the company at risk. Always: everything you write as a representative of the company belongs to the company not you. If you are ever called to testify to something you have written, you will not want to look uneducated, foolish, or put the company in jeopardy. Having good manners and business writing skills will protect and reflect on you and the company favorably.

End your letter with an appreciation of their time. We are all busy and adding a short note of gratitude for their reading your message is good manners. Not a long note, just acknowledgement.

Sign off on your note with one of the following based on the content of the letter/note, your familiarity with the person, the seriousness of the topic and make sure you know the difference.

Thank you, Sincerely, Respectfully,

Stay away from anything more personal: Yours, Love, truly. Use absolutely nothing cute: See ya, Take care, Bye, Gotta Go, Later.

On all correspondence, add your title, company, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. You can add a web site if it pertains to your issue. This can be populated automatically on e-mails. This allows the reader one place to reply without having to look all over the letter or worse yet, search. Example:

Sincerely,

John Smith, M.D.
General Family Practice
St. Joseph Hospital
400 West Lafayette Street
Washington, Illinois 61616
319-443-0101
johnsmith@yahoo.com

Most supervisors do not have assistants to help write their letters. If you have someone to help, make sure they are knowledgeable on how to represent the company and you with manners and respect. If you are the writer, you will be showing your reader what kind of business professional you are through your correspondence. You will also be showing your superiors if you are the kind of material they want to advance.

Didn't Miss A Beat

Within two days at my husband's work, (1) A young man was killed on his motorcycle turning into the employee parking lot. (2) A single mother's son was murdered in what may be a gang related killing. (3) When a middle aged man didn't show up for work Monday, they found what appeared to be his wife's murder and his suicide. All so tragic and sad.

Although fellow employees were shocked and grieving for the families, this large corporation didn't miss a beat. The work was immediately assigned to others and no projects was adversely affected. This observation is not condemnation of the corporate world, it is a fact of business.

A lesson on big business: Do you feel you must sacrifice your God time, your family time, and your sanity? The bare fact is if you are gone in the next second, someone will pick up the task. The corporation will not miss a beat - even if the people personally miss you. If this is a fact, think thoughtfully about your motives for sacrificing.

Does doing something perfect, although it requires extra time, matter to God's purpose or to your ego?

Does having everything done at the end of each day accomplish a God deadline or does it allow your mind to tick off "mission accomplished".

Does serving on all the teams, committees, conference calls, and projects allow time for little league, coaching the kids, music lessons, vacations, supper as a family, devotions, visiting relatives, supporting your loved ones? Or, are you simply picking what you like to do best at the expense of God and family?

As you hurry to get to work early, work through lunch, stay late, come in weekends, is God with you at these times? Or, is He patiently waiting at the breakfast table with your children before school, waiting with your colleagues at lunch where you would have been able to lead them to Christ, waiting beside your spouse as she cheers at the soccer game all alone, waiting to comfort your parents when they are confused about a problem and no one is there to assist them, waiting beside the bed as your spouse looks at the ceiling alone and thinks of what became of your marriage vows.

Your company may not miss a beat if you should leave this earth tonight, but your loved ones will. Do not let the tragedy of loosing you be compounded by an entire relationship with family members where they never had you.

Proverbs 15:27 "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts (bribes) shall live."

Proverbs 16:3 & 5 "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."

Not Your Mama or Daddy

Let's think about your boss and the management levels above you. You will set yourself up for disappointment and possibly career-killing maneuvers if you let certain upper management employees direct your Christian work ethics, direct opinion of your work, direct your thoughts of self worth, or guide your career path. As a young supervisor, you may expect your superiors to have your best interest at heart. Although that is a good hope, many simply don't care about others, are too busy to show they care, have limited power or actually feel threatened by a good employee. Putting your faith in your upper management to advance your career may be like pouring water into a paper bag to save for a hot day. Proverbs 16:20-22 "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly."

I don't advocate becoming cynical; let me share: One of my true blessings during my career was a boss who cared deeply for the people who worked for him. He simply though it was his job to help employees who did a good job and who desired advancement. He served the company by encouraging, educating and placing good employees in the right positions. He gave me my "big break" when no others would touch the career of a woman in a man's organization. He allowed me to do tasks, new jobs, and training that prepared me for openings. He encouraged and guided; he was a mentor in the true sense of the word. He placed me in my first management position. To this day, this man refuses to take credit for all the good he did for the company and his employees. He is modest and self effacing; at times to his own career's detriment. Proverbs 12:23 "A prudent man concealeth knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness." I thank the good Lord for placing this leader in my path to show me what a blessing we can become in the work place. I often used his devotion to others and his business ethics as a model in my career.

You may not be able to mold and define your superiors, but you can certainly be that one person who blesses other employees. It will be a life long blessing for others, a model of Christ in the workplace and a mission field that is often barren of Christian ethics. Do not expect your boss to be your mama or your daddy; it's not their job. Rely upon Jesus Christ as your wisdom and leader. Count your blessings when He has allowed you to have a Christ based supervisor. Become that blessing to your employees which will enrich their lives and yours. Proverbs 16:3 "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."

The Scourge of Intensity

Christians can get intense about everything from the serious to the mundane. Keeping a good sense of humor and developing the ability to have fun can go a long way in making your co-workers and employees more open to you when something serious needs to be discussed.

Using the Bible as a way to beat people over the head on your own particular passions will only drive people away. They won't absorb what you are saying because you are so heavy handed in expressing yourself. Manipulating the Scripture to fit each and every view or sin is in itself sinful.

I really enjoy a Christian with a passion for the Lord. I know several young men who can stand on a sidewalk, in an unfamiliar town, and joyfully sing, pray, and preach the Word. They have the mission for evangelism and they bring people to the Lord with their knowledge and enthusiasm. This kind of evangelism doesn't transfer very well inside most work places. Being alive for God is where we all want to be in our daily lives. Knowing when and how to use that passion, to bring the most gain to the Lord's work, takes some thought and prayer.

I've watched "on fire" Christians brow beating, turning every single conversation and event into a sermon, arguing every day situations as a part of their doctrine and pretty much causing people to run the other way every time they see these Christians approaching. In the work place, this can cause real problems if you are going outside workplace procedures and employment laws. A loving heart and treating your co-workers and employees with that sensitive Christ-like love draws the non believer to the Lord.

Isaiah 43:10-11 "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he; before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me, I even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior." The Lord has very definite instructions for how we shall honor Him and His role and ours. We must never shrink from our firm belief and witness to the Lord. How we do this in the workplace is a measure of how well we understand what gains the most for our Lord. Being stubborn about how we present the Holy word in the workplace is not actually being a good witness for the Lord. Praying for the best way to be that witness and then being a good example in a humble manner, crediting the Lord when you can, and showing how a Godly person lives and works can work miracles.

Church and State Issues

Did you ever feel like (after reading the story of the San Francisco City Board decree against the Catholic Church) saying, "Where is their head?" Yet, there are many Americans who are taking the separation of church and state to a level never before seen and never intended. With all politics and religion, we all have an opinion. Here's mine:

You will one day be challenged for your religious views and stands in the work place. As a leveling agent, you will probably be challenged on most everything you say or do by someone in the work place. It is a world in which everyone has an opinion and everyone is right (if it is me) and wrong (if it is anyone else). We just don't see a lot of middle ground, efforts to understand or tolerance; especially if it is religious in nature.

One important fact: Romans 13:8-10 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

According to our Christian faith, we can disdain, talk about our dislike, and even stay away from those that commit adultery, kill, steal, bear false witness, covet but we shall not stop loving our neighbors. The efforts of the SFCB to force members of the Catholic church to disobey church leadership, their beliefs and their religion is scary for government's interference with religious freedom.

Do not sit by and allow our religious freedoms to be compromised by a government agency or others. If you see one of your employee's religious freedoms being persecuted or demeaned, are you up for the fight to protect them? The Catholic church is a pretty big dog to kick and I expect it has mustered it's legal forces. But what about a lone employee or a member of a small church or a denomination not so well known? We all, Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Native American and all others worshiping God, should stand together in opposing any persecution of a religious group. If God's children do not stand together, we will see the continuing deterioration of religious freedoms. We will see laws twisted, constitutional rights rewritten, and perverted interpretations . It isn't your grandma's naive world. It isn't the world of social reform fought for by African Americans. It isn't the right to vote. It is a new frontier: a right to worship in the manner we choose. Be very careful of any law that seeks to make us all one religion, one set of doctrine, and one set of government regulations.

Tolerance of religious freedom is our right. It is why we live in the United States. Tolerance built from loving our neighbor, as scripture provides.

What Can You Do For Me?

When some folks become supervisors, they immediately begin to think of how it will benefit them: help with their work load, more prestige, advancement, more money, or someone to order around. Let me introduce you to another thought: You are not a supervisor to benefit you. You are a supervisor to benefit God's purpose in your life, the company and to support and guide those who work for you. Often supervisors forget that everyone who is being paid by the company is there to benefit the company. It's not about you. Whether you work for an extremely appreciative company or an extremely unpleasant company, you are there to benefit the business. The business is not there to benefit you. Sounds rather harsh but it is a business fact. Only unhappy employees fail to realize this fact, fail to come to grips with the reality, and fail to adjust their attitude to make their contribution significant.

I picture one supervisor I know who always had his feet on his desk. He'd lean back and smirk at his employees when he talked with them. It gave a very clear impression he was thinking he was at the advantage. It also gave the impression of an arrogant jerk but that was more like his employees' quotes. Whether deliberate or not, he gave the impression the employees were there to serve him.

If done correctly, supervising is hard work. Some people are more "natural" supervisors than others but everyone can be a benefit to the company and to their employees if you just practice the advice in scripture. Yes, it always comes back to that doesn't it? Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." Serve one another, serve one another, serve one another: I repeat because it is so seldom displayed in the work place. It's not an option; it's an order. Over and over in the Bible, we are given instruction to love one another by service. If you get up in the morning with a "service attitude" and love in your heart - oh, brother, what beautiful things you can accomplish.

Galatians 5 continues:14-15 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed (destroyed) one of another." Even in hours of working hard for your employer, if your heart is in the right place, you will have the blessings of our Lord and the contentment that comes through that knowledge. God does want to be in your workplace, your home as well as the church. He expects you to devote your manner of thinking in the workplace to His direction ~ in this case: service and love. Come home after your work shift with a joy that can only come from knowing you tried your best to serve God by mirroring Jesus in your work place. Galatians 5:25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Kissing Up

We've all seen "kissing up" to a higher ranked employee. Sometimes it might just be treating them with the respect they deserve. Real kissing up is blatant pandering to gain favor.

Ephesians 5:6-7 "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye partakers with them. "

As you are promoted, you have more people working for you and you have more authority over situations affecting those employees. Employees and the public will treat you differently. I found it a little uncomfortable to realize I was being treated better only because I had power. I was being treated preferential because I could help someone get their wish. There are some people who enjoy the power of authority and use it manipulatively. They encourage kissing up because it makes them feel more powerful than others. It is an extremely ugly personality trait that dehumanizes others and elevates self to a Godly level.

I would always feel good about being mannerly, respectful and polite to my bosses. I would give my best. I could not let myself kiss up because it seemed to compromise my integrity. But what about if your employees kiss up to you? It may not be obvious to you at first. Sure, your jokes and humor are extremely and always funny - right? Sure, you all of a sudden have all the right answers - right? Sure, you have that magnetism that simply makes everyone want to be in your presence - right? Not that you are a dud or you wouldn't have been promoted but do you really think you are that great? Even the most average, nice, known employees will begin to treat you a little different. Be conscious and pray to God that your ego does not cloud your good sense. You are not the greatest and you will never be the greatest. The sun will come up and back down without the slightest effort on your part. Your employees will come and go without a thought of you in their everyday life. You may make good and bad decisions - and you better be ready to know the difference because you seldom have your employees tell you honestly how well or not you perform. If you believe only the good adoration you received it is like the old adage, "He believed his own press releases."

Here is an extremely harsh example of ego and kissing up run wild and it's reward: Acts 12:21-24 "And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. But the word of God grew and multiplied." Do not sit upon your desk chair/throne in your royal garments/business clothes telling your oration/opinion unto your employees. When your employees shout you are so wonderful you must be a god and not mere man, remember God's action on those who try to be more than Him. Proverbs 19:3 "The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord."

I Love It!

I had an employee who had some difficult personal issues. I tried to encourage, help and protect this employee during this time. I often prayed and sought ways to build up his family with God as my guide. One day, this employee handed me a cassette where he had recorded something he and his wife wanted me to hear. It was a busy day and I didn't get to listen until I was on my way home in the car. Out played Ray Boltz's "Thank You". You go a long time as a supervisor with no one bothering to thank you for all the little things you do every day. I simply cried with appreciation at this young family's gesture of appreciation. It was a humbling experience and a good lesson.

We all need affirmation; even the most self effacing. When was the last time you gave your employees a well deserved & sincere compliment on their work? For that matter when is the last time you did the same for your boss? I often heard a supervisor say, "All that touchy feely stuff is just a bunch of hog wash!" Or, "They're getting paid to do a good job, I don't need to hug them!" I noticed some would think compliments were sissy. It wasn't that they didn't appreciate others; they had somewhere been taught it was not tough to express kindness to others. This is a self defeating attitude for anyone who supervises. You do not get the best work and the most loyal employees by only kicking them when something goes wrong and keeping quiet when it goes well.

If your a supervisor who finds it difficult to praise and encourage, there are some little steps you can take that help you get over being uncomfortable. A simple, one-on-one "good job" is a start. Another simple "thanks for your help" is good, too. If you're a person who shakes hands, shake the employee's hand when you say a thanks. If you simply can not look a person in the eye and say something encouraging, send an e-mail or a note and be sure to put a record of the good work in their employee review file and tell them you have.

If a group has done a good job, hold a meeting and tell everyone BUT public praise should always be followed by a one-on-one specific to the individual. This lets them know you recognize their personal contribution.

Do not hand out compliments where it is not warranted. This only diminishes your whole effort and you loose respect. Sincerity and honesty are a priority.

There are many company programs for complimenting employees. These work if they are used honestly and with integrity. They loose their power if they are used to reward favorites, as a means of getting more work from the employees, or as a requirement for supervisors from upper management. Some companies offer monetary rewards for doing a good job. If this monetary reward is part of a project completion program, I am in agreement. I am not in agreement this is good for rewarding a "thank you". To tie money to a thank you usually corrupts the reason for giving the encouragement and the appreciation on receiving the compliment. Although greed is rampant in the work place, most employees still appreciate a sincere personal recognition of their hard work.

We also have the group that feels Christians should not seek praise from man and humbly and happily seek only God's satisfaction in our every deed. This is a true humble spirit and it is Scriptural. If you feel this way, then let this be for you. Seek this only for yourself. It is also Scriptural to not flower others with undeserved and false praise. Scripture does not say hold back appreciation for a job well done. It does not tell us to let our employees be discouraged. Jesus often used words of encouragement, Paul often encouraged and praised, many a Scripture in the Bible is filled with words of encouragement: Thank God! I sometimes categorize encouragement and thanks in the "love thy neighbor" Scriptures.

Romans 13:7 "Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." This is Paul giving specific exhortations for Roman Christians concerning their outlook, attitude and action.

Oh, and by-the-way: Thanks for stopping by today! I appreciate it!

Your Employees' Gifts

I Corinthians 12:4 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."

Each employee who works for you has uniquely special God given gifts. They may not be in the right job to use that special gift to it's fullest but you, as their supervisor, can make sure God, the employee, the company and others benefit from every employee's gift.

Give some of these a consideration:

The word of wisdom: Have you noticed an employee who will observe what is really needed in a situation? They can usually boil down the idea, the situation, the problem and make the conclusion that is needed? What do you do with this employee? Are they considered a trouble-maker, show-off, or know-it-all? Or do you use this person's gift to enhance your committees, teams, and projects? Do you personally encourage and thank them for what they offer?

The word of knowledge: There are some employees who read and investigate a certain passion they enjoy. They may be the company "geek", intellectual, obsessive personality or focused. Are they considered too odd to consult or too opinionated to have a balanced perspective? Or do you make sure they are available to offer their expertise, put on developing project task forces, encouraged and funded?

Faith: Is there an employee who maintains his faith in God in everything happening around him? Does she always see the outcome of any situation as a witness to God's word? Are they viewed as out-of-touch with reality? Are they considered a Pollyanna or a Holy roller? Or do you put them in a position of encouragement to others? They can do wonders on the team fighting an uphill journey. They can be a positive factor in tough times. Let them start that pre-work devotional study group or prayer group. Let them start the employee club based on witness and God's love. Let them be a light.

Healing: Although I have not personally witnessed a person who has the gift of healing through touch, I have seen those that can heal through word and prayer. These employees can be the ones on a team that reunites the group after tough times. They can be an actual God-send in the world of down-sizing, reorganization, new systems, lay-offs, and continual changes. Are you making sure they are available and involved in those projects where they can minister to the wounds in today's business world?

Working miracles: Big (parting the sea type) miracles - I've not witnessed them personally. I can tell you I've seen many many miracles that God has worked through my brothers and sisters in Christ. They are just as life changing and just as precious. Are you closed to ideas from these people because you refuse to believe someone larger than this company can be working in your office or your project? Must these gifted miracle workers do their best in secret because you can't visualize how God can perform miracles in every situation He wishes? I suggest prayer for God to help you assist those with gifts in your workplace.

Prophecy: Some believers have the real gift of prophecy. Not the Biblical prophecy but the prophecy brought on by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The prophecy that those who come in His name will be saved and live in eternity with Him. Within your company's policy, let them do God's work.

Discerning of spirits: I know there are some Christians who can sense God's work and can sense evil at work. They have that deeper sense of these things. Do you listen and pray upon what they say? Do you pray and bring God into your actions?

Speaking in tongues & interpretation of tongues: I do not belong to the denomination that thinks there are those currently authorized by God to speak and interpret tongues. There are those that are convinced and I'm not foolish enough to discount their belief through Jesus Christ. I just can't imagine it happening in the work place to the advantage of God. I'm enough open, because it speaks of it in our Bible; I'm just not capable of imagining it for doing God's work in the business world today.

As a supervisor, make sure you aren't stifling a gift God has specifically given your employee. He blesses this world with those gifts. It allows us to accomplish His works. You may have to redirect or refine that gift to allow it in your work place. You may have to direct it to outside efforts because of company policy. Never stifle God's gifts. I Corinthians 13:12 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ."

Fritters - More Than Food

Creativity often happens during our meditation time. Turning our eyes inward and allowing our energy to be used on thinking. Allowing a creative person to have time to think is wise of you as a supervisor.

Time management is another issue but difficult to define against the creative process. I call failure to manage time as "time fritters". It can be obvious when a child is just messing around. It can be subtle when it is an adult needing to accomplish tasks at work (or at home). Here's a little test to see if you have the mannerisms of a time fritter:

1. Do you promptly read and answer all e-mails as they come in during the day?
2. In surfing the web for certain information, do you often get pulled into going deeper than necessary into the subject for the project completion?
3. Do you handle paperwork several times before filing, throwing away, or completing?
4. Do you go to the break area more than two times a day for smoking, eating, talking?
5. Do you have conversations about non related business matters lasting beyond simple pleasantness?
6. Do you listen to the radio, iPod, CD's/tapes, web, or other electronics while working?
7. Do you have sticky notes, piles of "to do" files, drafts/hold e-files, that you must routinely browse to make sure you aren't forgetting important things?
8. Do you spend more than five minutes a day writing in/on your calendar?
9. Do you do personal calls, letters, errands during your work day?
10. Do you talk with friends and relatives on the phone, by e-mail, or text messaging during your work day?

These are just the merely subtle - there are millions of obvious things employees do that fritter their time away from work. Often the person who complains they just can't seem to get anything done, they are too busy at work or they are given too many things to do, are the subtle fritters of time. It is often difficult to recognize when you are frittering time and it is difficult to have your employees recognize they are frittering time. You or your employee often enjoy the little time wasters and try to fool others into believing they don't really waste that much time on them.

When I ask someone, who I suspect of wasting time, to document everything they do during the day, they immediately say they don't have time. Right there I know I have a time fritter in denial. Often the denial is indignation and anger because how can I suggest they wouldn't be giving their best. May I suggest, if you are having trouble making time for everything, honestly write down what you do every minute of the day (what, time it starts, time it ends; including interruptions). It is not an easy task but it will show you where you are wasting time. It may show you aren't wasting time but are actually very busy doing assignments. That is another issue. But a time fritter person will always say they are just too busy doing their work, they are just that important (implied) to the company, just the only person who can do certain things, no one understands their situation, etc. etc. etc. Then the one I like: But, I'm only listening to Christian music and sermons.

OK, Christian, God doesn't tell us to do a half way job at work for the people who are paying us for full time work. He doesn't say listen to Christian music or ministries while you are trying to think about a work project. Your time will be divided and no one will be served well. Your job description probably does not say, "Minister to others via e-mail" or "Seek web sites that apply to your moral being while being paid to work for your employer" or "Spend time talking to others about your personal witness while projects assigned to you by your employer lays waiting". You see, Christian goals, fun net sites, corresponding with friends, offering support, love, and care to others; all these things are admirable ~ on your time. A quick prayer, a manner of Christian devotion in all things, attention to an emergency situation are all work worthy time spent. If you answered (honestly) "yes" to any of the ten questions above, you may want to look long and hard at your time frittering.

I Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Are you doing your job all to the glory of God? Or, have you allowed these time fritters to steal away your time, your thoughts, your witness that is diminishing God's glory in your life or in the eyes of others? Will God count all those little things as your doing your job well for your employer or will it be counted as a poor example of Christian conduct?

Temptation Highway

If you have ever worked "out in the world", you have noticed another man or woman who was appealing. Welcome to Temptation Highway! There are many ways of describing this: sex appeal, visually stimulating, and then there is that whole hormonal, smell, primal thing. To deny this exists is not reality. It exists and you, as a Christian in the work force, must learn to recognize what is happening and deal with it Scripturally. I'll identify some pot holes on this highway:

Pot Hole #1: You will be tempted. You are married, engaged, have committed yourself to another or have committed yourself to single purity. You may be totally committed to this person, deeply in love, and want no other for the rest of your life. Someone may tempt you because they don't realize you are committed to the purity of your relationship, or they don't have the same moral standards, or they just enjoy attention. No matter their reasons, you have but one plan of action. Do not, ever, put yourself in situations that might compromise the integrity of your relationship or your purity vow. Although you may not have the ability or means to do as Billy Graham did (never being alone with a woman during his travels and during business) but you can sure make a good try. Think ahead on what is happening during your day and make arrangements to avoid temptation. Simply be too busy to do or go. Explain you always try to conduct yourself in a manner that would glorify God and respect your mate. If you must, be blunt. It is you and your mate's entire life together and entire eternity in Heaven that you are flirting with in these situations.

Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

Pot Hole #2: It doesn't hurt to look. We live in a visual world but you have the ability to choose when and how to look. If you know you can be tempted, or have images of others beside your mate come into your head after even a glimpse, if you linger on tempting pictures in magazines, TV shows, movies, internet sites or actually view pornography, you should never look. The stray look is often the first step towards a change in your commitment to your mate. It also shows a serious lack of respect for your mate. Even if your mate does not see you doing any of these things, it tells others you don't really respect your mate.; you are sending out a signal that you are looking.

Pot Hole #3: He needed someone to confide in. She started crying and needed to be consoled. It is sometimes a real ego boost to have someone turn to you for consolation. Maybe you are good at consoling or are naturally a good listener. Here's the choice: If the situations takes you physically or emotionally too close to another, get someone else to help them. Suggest an outside counselor, bring in someone of their same sex, step them into a public area BUT refuse to allow intimate conversations, comforting touching, if it puts you alone with them in a one-on-one setting which might lead to temptation. This is true with those you supervise, your co-workers, and those you spiritually support. When I had to have private (confidentiality issues) conversations with a member of the opposite sex, I kept my big old desk firmly between us if the door was closed. Even though the current trend to employer/employee chats suggested sitting side by side to show I was not trying to intimidate, I found this made employees uncomfortable. They knew I was their boss, moving into their space did not make that go away, it only confused things.

Pot Hole #4: I stay within the work place laws for my behavior concerning what is sexual harassment. First off, who said man's laws were God's word for your behavior. Also, no matter your intention, no matter the real situation, another can be offended by your actions. They can say anything about your actions. Following God's written scripture for your behavior does not mean you won't be challenged or sued. But I would rather be totally right with God and my mate and be sued than to be accused of something false and not have either of them on my side.

Revelations 3:10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try (test) them that dwell upon the earth."

Pot Hole #5: It's wasn't my fault. Maybe - maybe not. If you find you are being put in situations where your motives might be suspect, I suggest you take a look at your own actions. How are you dressed, so you ever talk in innuendoes, do you make eye contact in situations other than good manners, do you get close enough to brush up against people, do you get into situations where you are discussing personal things, do you tell others personal things about your mate, about your relationship, about your problems? If you are being tempted on a regular basis, I'd say you need to adjust your own actions first. You are playing a part in this circumstance.

Pot Hole #6: We had such an awful fight, I just needed to tell someone. No fight (problem)between a couple should ever be discussed with a member of the opposite sex in a work place or a social environment. There are whole legions of same sex personal friends, counselors, ministers, or best yet, go back to your mate. Taking that emotional information to another is like holding up a sign that says, "I'm vulnerable - welcome temptation!"

Pot Hole #7: I had to go to the company social, fund raiser, golf play day, party, Etc. Etc. Etc. OK, sometimes maybe you did need to show for a company something that didn't include mates. However, it is your choice who to talk to while there, how long to stay, what to talk about, who to ride with, whether you tell your mate what it is and what you are doing, how much to drink ~ you get the idea. You may be in the circumstance but you can certainly make it your circumstance and not one that leads to ramifications and recriminations.

II Peter 2:9 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. "

Pot Hole #8: I'm so easily tempted, I can't help myself. So, where is God in all this temptation you are experiencing? Do you think He sent the Holy Spirit to ride your shoulder for nothing? If (and I question how big an "if" is truthful) you have great difficulty resisting temptation, you may need additional spiritual help from your minister, a Christian counselor, a Christian support group, and definitely from your mate. You may need to change your job or company to get in an environment that is stable for your weaknesses. And something so basic and obvious, you need to pray for strength to resist, intervention to not be tempted, and advise on what to do in temptation situations. You can help yourself by getting help...

St. Luke 22:31-32 "And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Must you avoid all contact with the opposite sex? No, you can't in the business world. Handled with God's purposes in mind, we can interact with the opposite sex in a way that glorifies God and keeps us from falling in those pot holes of temptation. Plus, there are many single people who meet their life time partners through the work environment. What you do on that temptation highway is always your choice. Whether you are married, engaged, committed to another, or single, how you choose to behave in the face of temptation will have a life long effect on you, your mate, your family, your co-employees, your job, your employment and your relationship with God.

James 1:14-15 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

I have seen the devastation temptation can cause when Christian values are not held firm during work situations. Practice those Christian values and you will love yourself, you will have a better relationship with your mate, you will stay pure and ready for a Christian marriage, you will mirror God's Word for others in the workplace, you will rejoice with God through eternity.

Are You Promotable?

I've seen many a supervisor or management person confused because they never seem to get promoted. Sometimes they can't see their own actions in the same light as upper management. Some things you are "expected" to know and no one will point it out to you. Other reasons are things that are sensitive to discuss or make the boss uncomfortable to discuss. Sometimes, these things have been discussed but it wasn't believed or there is no significant change. If you haven't been promoted, even though you feel you have worked hard and long enough to deserve promotion, I'll offer you some reasons I've seen during my career. You may not agree, you may not feel they are fair, you may think they are funny, you may even get angry but they are very real promotion killers.

Are you personally clean and groomed? Every day? All day? All of you?
Are you sarcastic? With replies, humor, observations?
Do you have bad breath? Are your teeth in good repair and clean?
Are you known as a jokester? Are you taken seriously?
Do you always ask for extra help/explanations long after you should be independent?
Do you spend too much time talking with others about non work related things?
Do you have good manners - to everyone? Do you know what good manners are?
Are your table manners good?
Are you prompt?
Do you treat the lowest employee as well as the highest?
Do you tell off color or racial/gender/ethnic jokes and stories?
Do you smoke?
Do you suck up?
Are you the last to arrive at work and first to leave?
Are you the first to arrive at socials and the last to leave?
Do you drink at company social activities? Do you know when you have had enough?
Are you very competitive? About everything?
Are you a snob?
Are depression or emotional problems making your behavior unpredictable?
Do you gamble to the point it affects your personal finances?
Do you live higher than your income? Are you heavily in debt?
Is your spouse or parent allowed to overly influence your work?
Do you only participate in something after deciding "what's in it for me"?
Are you constantly talking about yourself, your possessions, life, & experiences?
Do you get into other people's space when talking?
Are you a gossip?
Are you always chewing gum, toothpicks, pencils, etc.?
When you have been promoted in the past, have you gloated over others?
Do you spend a lot of time doing documentation of your day, actions, feelings?
Do you have so much self doubt you can't make decisions?
Do you turn every conversation into a preaching/witnessing session?
Do you try to force your beliefs on others because you know you are right?
Are you so shy no one ever hears or sees you?
Do you flirt, ogle, stare, or come-on to anyone at work?
Are you having a romantic and/or sexual relationship with a co-worker?
Do you wear after shave or perfume? Do you know if it is too strong or offends?
Do you routinely have flatulence?

I have found very few people who do the above realize they are doing something that affects their promotability. I have also found very few, even when told, will ever admit they actually do have an issue and it is affecting their promotability. Some are even proud of these habits. Denial is rampant among the non promotable. If someone (a boss, a friend, a family member) takes the hard step of explaining you have one of the above issues, (or maybe another) realize it is important enough to recognize, work on it, and overcome.

It is easier to overcome one of the above if you don't take it as personal criticism but instruction in another work related job duty. No one comes into the work place knowing and doing everything perfect. It is always a work in progress. The Book of Proverbs has many many examples of when and how to work some of the above. The "moral, ethical and spiritual precepts" and the "comparisons, warnings, and instructions" are packed full of useful, Biblical and practical advice for your work place. If you find it hard to know what you are doing wrong, and can find no one to explain, go to your best advisor: Jesus Christ. Pray for guidance, an open heart, and the power to learn. If you feel that uncomfortable feeling, little itch of a conscious, when you read anything above ~ maybe you are being told you need to spend time thinking about some changes. I'll take many of these individually in the future to help explain and offer possible solutions.

Proverbs 24:14 "so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off."

(One little side note: You may be totally promotable but be at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and for the wrong reason. Another benefit of praying will be an understanding of where the problem lays.)

Peace is Work

The picture on the right is my back yard. I enjoy sitting on the porch looking at the beauty and serenity of it all. But it didn't just happen. There were no flowers, bushes, walks and little grass when we first bought this old place. The house was built in 1896 and had been abandoned (except for the raccoons) and had been close to the demolish stage. After about ten years of hard labor, we finally can see our dream place come alive.

While looking at the picture, it may be hard to visualize what it took to get the yard to this peaceful state. The work is continuous but still a labor of love for the enjoyment it brings. The job of supervising is much the same way. A well run department doesn't easily show how much you have worked to have the company dream place come alive.

I've had to put structure into the garden. I pull invasive weeds, lay brick and stone, trim trees and bushes, fertilize and prune flowers, deadhead, dig out things that didn't work, and put in new things to fill the spaces. To keep it cohesive, I've had to think about the overall plan before I started the work. I took the Master Gardener course and endlessly read what's new and what's the latest problem. Each year, each season, and often each day brings something blooming and some problem that needs attention. But, when the picture is taken it looks like perfection is an easy state of being.

To keep your employees productive and enjoying their work, you must put a lot of work into that effort. To stay ahead of the latest trends or newest problems, you must be thinking of what you want to happen in the future. The business world does not stay static any more than my garden. While you sit with your feet up enjoying the beautiful picture, the competition is still out there working. While the work force is a picture of teamwork, there is an employee needing your nourishment, your pruning, and your changes. While one project is successfully charging forward, another is coming to an end and will need to be replaced. The kind of peace you seek in the work place comes from hard work based on your knowledge of God's purpose for your work. I Peter 1:23-25 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."

II Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect (mature), be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

Yes, You Got Trouble Right Here in River City

Many a song talks of troubles in the work place and in our lives. The Book of Psalms offers examples and solutions a plenty. When you start thinking you are experiencing trouble like no other and can't see a way out, consult the Book of Psalms for wisdom. I'll just mention a few I've used in the past.

Psalm 5:5-9 " The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing (falsehood): the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward the holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open scpulcher; they flatter with their tongue." Psalm 5:12 "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass (surround) him as with a shield."

Psalm 9:9 "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

Psalm 25:2 and 21 "O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me." and "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee."

Psalm 27:1 and 14 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" and "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the Lord."

Psalm 40:14 "Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil."

Psalm 46: 1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalm 91:2-3 "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."

Psalm 103:6 "The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed."

Psalm 126:5 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Psalm 140:1-4 "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings."

These are but a few of the verses I underlined in my Bible during my years of working. When your day, week, or work life has it's really hard times, pull forth your Bible and underline the passages God highlights for your comfort and help. Turn back to them again and again. They loose no wisdom. They loose no application. They will always sustain your soul.

The Power Of The Edge

I started as a secretary doing filing, typing, shorthand, and documentation. Although a beginning, it did give me some very beneficial skills for later in my career. It allowed me to observe bosses, their skills, their weaknesses, their integrity. This allowed me to accumulate a wealth of scenes on what makes or breaks a good supervisor. My secretarial skills gave me the means to take really good notes during meetings, to create documentation that would hold up in a court setting, and supplement my memory in a busy business world.

I will suggest if you don't have basic typing and note taking skills you develop this as soon as possible. It will prove invaluable in the years to come. I was always amazed the number of people who would show up at a meeting with no paper, pen or other note taking devices. At one end of the spectrum, it makes the leader feel you really care about the topic. The other benefits are you have a chance to grasp hold of an idea or comment mentioned, something new, and have to you benefit later.

Taking good notes allows you to be the most informed and educated of attendees. It can prevent loss (through a lapse in memory) of some important documentation. These lapses can cost a favorable verdict for your case, your project, or your personnel issue.

I would generally take a moment to type these notes - I usually used snippets or bullet points. I'd either put in the file for future reference (files are a good thing) or keep current so I could attend to active issues.

I know it takes time to correctly set up files, especially if you are in a business where office duties are performed by you and not an assistant. I know taking notes and transferring to documentation takes time. All workers who say they are "too busy" are only playing the cover my inadequacies game. You are too busy and too important NOT to do these. The amount of time you spend in the beginning is far smaller than the amount of time you loose not having proper notes and documentation. In addition to time lost, you will loose opportunities and the power of the edge. The power of the edge is that small (insignificant to others) bit of knowledge that you have over those too busy to know the advantages of good note taking.

I do not know applicable Bible verses to substantiate this instruction. I will point out had not the authors of the Bible taken the time to substantiate their lives and what they witnessed, we would be in pretty sad shape. The stories, the real life happenings, the life shaping events would have been repeated, changed, lost or simply forgotten. Our lives are small compared to the Holiness of the Bible but it is another lesson we can adapt to our work behavior. When you look at the edge of a sword it covers very little area. A sword, when used correctly, can shape the world. Put your power of the edge to work for you - it can change your world.