» Judgment

Your Road Warrior Co-Workers

Sam Bates — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:04:23 +0000

My wife works at the airport here in Northwest Arkansas (XNA). She said yesterday was probably one of the worst days she has ever had and she has worked there for almost four years. It was a combination of things that made it difficult, but the hardest was having to tell people who had bought their tickets sometimes months ago that there were no more seats available. Anyway, I spent a large chunk of the afternoon waiting around for her and my daughter to fly out for a quick spring break trip. As I waited, it was interesting to observe the people, especially the business travelers looking not at all thrilled to be flying with all these families, kids, etc. I know that many of you can totally relate.

As I observed many of these people trying to get out of here yesterday, it made me think about the challenges that go with jobs requiring constant business travel. I know this may be fun or exciting for some, especially at the beginning, but most report this wears off quickly and they would love to be able to stay home. The constant travel hassles, hotel life and being away from friends and family really take their toll over time. Often times we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations with constant temptation to let down our guard when traveling. I have talked to several over the years that gave in to those temptations and ended up terribly regretting what it cost them.

Most of you probably know someone who headed out on the road yesterday or this morning. Pray for these co-workers and for the situations they may encounter this week. It would probably be a tremendous encouragement to them if you texted or emailed them a note letting them know that they are in your prayers today. Most likely they never got a message like that and it may be just what they need to get through another business trip this week.

Navigating the Integrity Minefield

WorkMatters — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:37:10 +0000

Ethics training often comes to us as hypothetical scenarios that barely resemble anything we see as “regular” workers, and hardly provides a map to navigate the hazards challenging our integrity at work. Most of us will never experience an Enron scandal, or a Madoff ponzi scheme at work. People familiar with these matters must have been pros at navigating around the landmines planted by the choices of their leaders…

More likely, our landmines look like small choices made every day; how do I report my business results and how they were achieved, or should I expense this or that. In office environments our landmines are often temptations that take us away from our work. Maybe it’s fantasy football, endless web surfing, or bidding for that primo iPhone 4 on eBay. Often these landmines seem very small and insignificant, but that’s EXACTLY where we get blown up.

If we agree that the small things are the most likely to challenge our integrity, what can we do to protect ourselves and bolster our decision-making all week-long? Here are a few practical tips for navigating the minefields at work:

Follow the manual. Nearly every employer has a handbook of sorts. If they don’t (or even if they do), use Proverbs 11 as your guide. It’s all spelled out there!
Weigh the consequences. Sad choices can ruin careers. Are a few extra bucks in your pocket or praise you didn’t earn worth risking your career or reputation? Not likely!
Ask “what if Jesus was watching me?” If you had to submit your reports to Jesus, would they stay as-is? Hey, He knows the truth anyway…

Truthfully, the real landmine damage is actually done to your fellowship with God. He wants all of you at work and wants you to experience all He has planned for you. Remember that “…God tests the heart and is pleased in integrity…” (1 Chronicles 29:17) and that He has your back at work.

Honor Him with your eight to five and He will honor you for a lifetime.

In the minefield with you, Steve

This is a guest post by Steve Toth. He is a husband, father of two wonderful children, and the business unit leader at Novar. He was the marketplace teacher at our recent Eight to Five event focused on INTEGRITY, one of the Seven Pillars of Faith at Work. His teaching is available to you now in Video, Podcast, and Executive Summary formats.

Career Decisions

David Roth — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:33:21 +0000

Recently, our ENGAGE marketplace ministry for YP’s (Young Professionals) hosted our monthly Gathering. Chuck Hyde, CEO of The Soderquist Center was our featured “mentor” to share with these up and coming marketplace leaders.

Chuch shared a provocative message and answered questions on “Four Principles to Guide Career Decisions“. I encourage you to listen to it here on our website.

Chuck also showed a powerful video of an interview with Andy Murray, who is the Worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi X. He shared a powerful perspective that really grabbed me. He talked about when things come into your life or work, the question to ask is “how does this fit, NOT does it fit.” You can watch Andy Murray on “Life is a Mosaic” here.

If you are a “learning leader”, you can camp on this blog for a while, soaking in the wisdom and experience shared from these leaders on Career Decisions.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1Corinthians 9:24-27

60 Days…Are You Worth It Yet?

Sam Bates — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:53:58 +0000

Former Razorback McFadden Breaks 1,000-Yard Mark, Begins Proving Worth

This headline showed up today in my inbox today. Although on one hand I was pleased McFadden was representing the Razorbacks well, I was also distraught that it would appear his overall worth is being judged by his performance at work. I know, I know….he is making the big bucks so this somehow gives us the right to make observations and statements like this. Don’t think so.

This kind of thought process is becoming more and more evident everywhere we look. We are made to feel that OUR WORTH is valued based on how we perform, especially at work. Granted we don’t have to see it in headlines for the whole world to see on the www, but in our own little corner of the planet, these kinds of statements and judgments can be just as damaging. How would you feel if you saw trumpeted on the company newsletter, “Smathers begins to prove his worth after he finally landed the Wham-O account following three years of not measuring up.” What a humiliating thing to have said about you! I’m so thankful the One in whose eyes our worth really matters is not saying, “Bates finally gets his act together and has performed enough good deeds to maybe begin being worth what I paid for him.”

Would you pray today that you not contribute to this ridiculous perspective by making or even thinking these kinds of judgment statements of worth about people? Make every effort to see the people you are responsible for or work with in the same light as our Father sees us.

Thank You Lord for the grace you have provided in that when I don’t measure up, you don’t judge me unworthy of being your child. Help us to not make these kinds of value statements about others based on how well they did or did not measure up today, but to understand that their true value lies in things much more important than what I think. Amen.

Blessings!

60 Days….It’s All YOUR Fault!

Sam Bates — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:52:39 +0000

Yesterday I was thinking about “The Blame Game” again. In a rare moment of insight, it struck me that I also have many people to “blame” for what I have accomplished in life. Think about it. We tend to only think of blame in the negative context, but I turned it around and began to think about all those who I could “blame” for the wonderful blessings I have experienced in my life and work. As I began to stew on this, I realized that I have many more people to blame for the good that has happened in my life than the bad. And truth be told, most of the stuff that I thought to be bad seemed to end up “working together for good.” Think of all the help, blessings and opportunities you have been given in life. Think of all the people that have helped, encouraged and believed in you along the way. Think of those you work with each day and all that goes on to help you do your job. Think about the One who has made it possible for us to live with hope and for all these things start blaming everyone else. Give credit where credit is due. For the most part, its really not our fault. Actually, we really had very little to do with it!

As we celebrate this week of Thanksgiving, spend loads of time in prayer expressing thankfulness for all those you have to blame for what you possess today. When possible, blame them right to their face. If not, send them a strongly worded letter or email telling them why its all their fault. Start sharing the blame! No doubt, you will find that there is plenty of blame to go around.

Blessings!

2010 – Judgment

David Roth — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:20:00 +0000

Yesterday we talked about focusing on Encouragement in 2010. That’s a logical place to start. It’s a feel good goal. But today? Let’s move on from milk to solid food! (1 Corinthians 3:2)

I have been processing deeply the last few weeks on this word JUDGMENT. As I held the mirror up to my face, I didn’t like the reflection. What I saw staring back at me was that judgment has become as natural as encouragement! In fact, when I really stared hard into the mirror, I saw that encouragement actually took intentional effort and judgment flowed effortlessly from my heart and my lips.

And, of course, the Bible is full of painful reminders about judgement…like this one from Jesus:

Do not judge others and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT)

How about you? What do you see when you look in the mirror? It seems that being judgmental has become a normal rhythm in our marriages, our parenting, our friendships…and especially our work.

It can be even more difficult in our work. Why? Because there is such a fine line between performance evaluation and judgment.

So, what’s the answer? I can’t improve on Jesus’ words…The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

Jesus, thank you for shining your light on this word. It has become a normal, assumed part of my life. Everyone does it, so it must be ok. Jesus give me the courage in 2010…beginning today…to change the reflection in the mirror. To bite my judgmental tongue or bury my judgmental thought. Thank you Jesus…Amen