(a chapter from my book, Raising Kings)
I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.
I start with this rather controversial chapter, especially to a leader or a manager in the workplace, with paid employees.
I remember than when I work, things get pretty intense. I enjoy the work that I do. It’s fun. I work fast. And I am pretty focused. I would rather complete the work with plenty of time to spare on a schedule, than worry about not meeting a dateline. When I finish a task, I am quite spent. That means that the time I have gained between me completing the task and the dateline is the time that I expect to rest and to catch my breath. During my time of rest, I like to do resting stuff that inspires me quite unrelated to work. I read the Bible. I take a walk. Everybody is different. I happen to know a few of leaders and managers who are nervous watching me at rest during working hours.
The time of rest allows me to recover to my previous performance levels before I start the next task. If I don’t rest in between tasks, then I am likely to burn out before too long.
Some organizations allow their staff to indulge in their pet projects for up to ten to twenty percent of their working week. This is a creative example of resting your people. It is important to maintain the flow of creative juices and innovation and, in the long term, benefit the company’s bottom line. It is important for the fulfillment and satisfaction of your people, and the long term retention of good talent. It is good for morale. This is long term strategic thinking in play. You want to be in it for the long term.
If I am spending quite a number of hours building up someone else’s bottom line, I also like to think that they have my interests at heart when I need it, even though I am supposed to be paid serious wages for what I do. A city or a nation of tired, over-worked, unfulfilled, unsatisfied people with crumbling personal relationships at home is not going to help anyone. Employers and workers get disgruntled and resentful with each other. It is a lose / lose situation all around.
Healthy workplace and healthy community looks like well-rested, refreshed, motivated and inspired people who are ready to do the job to the best of their abilities. There should be a special workplace for every single person on the planet. I have heard the phrase “Fake it before we make it.” There’s no use faking it because nobody benefits in the long term. There should be allowances made for those who are learning new skills. Leaders and managers are not happy with non-performance. Leaders and managers do not have happy, long term employees. And employees are not happy doing what is not fulfilling and not satisfying to them.
At the same time, having said that, workers should not quit too soon when the going gets tough. If you know you are on the right track, stick through the tough seasons. It builds the fruits of character, strength and resilience. How do you know the difference between being on the wrong track and not giving up too soon? Usually, you don’t know. But God does. That’s why we need God’s help. That’s why we need Jesus’ friendship. He is a good mentor and counselor with your long term perspective in mind.
May the grace and peace of Abba Father the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Thank You, Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Word Sabre, scribe for Abba Father, LORD GOD, Lord Most High, Lord Jesus Christ.