Here’s a little last-minute, gift-giving advice.
Christmastime, despite the cheer and good will to all, is often full of uncertainty when it comes to gifts. Especially challenging is that awkward tradition of exchanging gifts in the workplace. We’ve all received — and given — our share of tins of chocolates, mugs and ties.
And giving a gift to the boss is even more difficult. Ethically, it may be a breach to give your supervisor a present. After all, you don’t want to give the appearance that you are trying to sway the end-of-year performance report with that gift certificate.
But, there’s a better solution. Those of us who live under a Higher Calling understand that true gifts can’t be bought – intangible presents that serve a different purpose with eternal rewards. Here are five gifts that your boss, deep down, really wants.
Show up and be on time
There is nothing more subversive than the employee who is habitually clock unaware. She shows up five minutes late, and then goes to the bathroom right away to finish her makeup. He’s late returning from lunch and then slinks out early at the end of the day. And how about those unnessary sick calls! Time abuse is a public sin that is deceitful, dishonest and harmful to your testimony. If you can’t put in a full day, then don’t expect to get opportunities for more responsibility. And honestly, don’t expect your job to be there forever.
“Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master. Matt. 25:21
Work hard
You are paid a wage to do a job, so, just do it. In this economy, you have little right to squawk for a raise or increased benefits. Your old dungy office should seem a little brighter simply because you have a paycheck. Look at the newspapers and talk to your friends who are unemployed. Every one of them would take your place in a second. So work so hard that the boss never has to worry about you.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Col. 3.23
Have a good attitude
The office Eeyore is a real drag. Like the melancholic, pessimistic donkey that was a depressing friend of Winnie-the-Pooh, this person always looks at the dark side of every situation. Disaster is always looming. Coworkers are always scheming against them. Reports are always flawed. The temperature is too hot – or too cold. The sky is always falling. There’s nothing worse than a person who never can see the good in any situation. So try to find the good. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” Philippians 4:8
Show a little respect
You don’t have to be buddies with the boss. You don’t have to be chummy. You don’t even have to “like” him. But you do need to show a little respect. It’s amazing how many workplaces have degenerated because of a seething spirit of disrespect. It comes out in a thousand little ways, each one cutting its way into the soul of that person. Your boss hasn’t earned your respect? That’s no excuse. As a believer, you are commanded to respect because you carry God’s name with you into the workplace.
“Be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and the gentle but also to the unjust.” 1 Peter 2.18.
Get along
There is nothing more exhausting to your boss than petty differences between the employees. All day long, he has to handle expectations of upper management, complaints of customers and personnel management. The last thing he wants to hear is another quarrel between employees. If you are a Christian, quit the quibbling with your coworkers.
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Th 5:12-13
Care to add to the list?
To all the bosses out there, Merry Christmas from Red Letter Believers!
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