I think I need to find a new job”, was the phrase I heard twice last week. On two different occasions I met with young, growing, “wanting to do good”, Christ following leaders. Both are currently employed in jobs where they want to learn and grow. Both are extremely frustrated and disillusioned, not by the work, but by their…
…boss!
Consider some of the survey highlights:
- Only 36% of employees say they are happy at their job.
- 65% say a better boss would make them happier over a pay raise
- 31% of employees feel uninspired and unappreciated by their boss. Close to 15% feel downright miserable, bored and lonely.
- Only 38% describe their boss as “great,”. 42% say their bosses don’t work very hard and close to 20% say their boss has little or no integrity.
- Close to 60% say they would do a better job if they got along better with their boss.
- 55% think they would be more successful in their career if they got along better with their boss.
You may be thinking, “What about the responsibility of the employee and how they are engaging with their boss?” There is truth in your musing. The employee owns their engagement and self-leadership. At the same time, a disengaged team is a leadership issue and cannot be deflected to anyone else but the main leader of the business. As leaders, we are the guardians of the culture of our workplace.
The two young leaders I spoke with last week have bosses that claim Christ.
I could see a tragedy unfolding!
The reality is that their bosses are modeling attitudes and behaviors that are far from what God would desire as they lead these young men. It also appears as if these bosses were relatively unaware of the impact these attitudes and behaviors are having on them, these young leaders, their teams, their businesses and more…
The stats outlined in the Forbes article were being lived out right in front of me.
Part of the challenge we face as leaders in engaging our team is how we approach the legal side of employment. If you feel ill equipped in this area, then you may want to consider joining our friend and fellow Maverick, Leslie Smith on June 3rd for “Equipped For Excellence”.
I have experienced Leslie’s solid and wise instruction. You will not be disappointed. She is an excellent facilitator. We’ll be there. Hope you can join us!
Here are 4 losses I see clearly impacting the bosses, the young leaders, and the advancement of God’s work in these workplaces.
- Lost is the opportunity to mentor and build into the lives of these young men.
- Lost is the privilege of helping these young leaders experience and grow in their capacity to bring God’s kingdom and see it advanced in the context of the work place.
- Lost is the ease of having two young leaders be fully engaged, bringing out their best ideas to help and serve their leader. I am coaching them on doing their part to serve Christ and their leader, in spite of the poor leadership. This is unnecessary extra work!
- Lost is the privilege of modeling a genuine, authentic life in Christ; one that demonstrates the realities of trusting God as they lead their lives, families and business.
Jesus has called us to lead differently. Mathew 5:13 -14 NLT is clear.
I am more than clear on the pressures you and I face as small business leaders. The press of:
- Personal and family demands,
- Trying to find and keep good staff,
- Ensuring the sales funnel remains full,
- Delivering on commitments for today and at the same time building into the future,
- Operations, financials, meetings and more……. seem to never end!!
With Christ’s help, you and I can learn, grow and become who He has called us to be. We can learn to lead self and others in a way that is aligned with who He is. We can lead our businesses in a way that truly is salt and light!
A Maverick Application:
- Read and reflect on Matt 5:13-14.
- Where may you be challenged in being God’s man or woman (salt and light) as you lead your team?
- What steps are you sensing God asking of you so you can be even more “salty”?
- Who can you invite to help encourage you to be “salt and light” at work and at home?
