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."