There was a recent study that showed that two Walgreens stores had completely different success metrics even though they were close to each other, had the same clientele, had the same layout, etc. What was the one difference between the two stores? The satisfaction of the employees with their boss – it changed everything. If you supervise anyone, there are times that you have to wonder, “Am I a bad boss?” As a Godly Leader, your goal is to be a great, Godly boss. You know that is essential if you want to be a good example of loving Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered about that, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five ways to protect against being a bad boss.
#1 – MAKE SURE YOUR EMPLOYEES FEEL THANKED.
Leadership guru Carey Nieuhoff says that “if you appreciate them more, they’ll appreciate you more.” The sad reality is that poor leaders are not good at saying thank you. You can protect against that if you cheer your employees on – high fives, head butts (actually maybe not that – got too much into jock mode there!), thank you notes, unexpected small gifts, a quick text, or an email after a big or long day. Get creative. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just consistent. Godly Leaders know that we have a lot to be thankful for, and a good employee is high on that gratitude list!
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ. Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
#2 – IT CAN’T BE ALL ABOUT YOU.
Ephesians 4:11-12 says that our job as pastors is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. That’s a directive. The principle is that whatever the job, it is essential that we equip people for the work and not just make it ours to do. Humility is everywhere in Scripture as an essential goal of the Godly Leader, while the warning of pride and its downfall is also everywhere in Scripture. Don’t make it about you. Pray a prayer each day for humility and a lack of pride.
#3 – YOU CAN’T TAKE ALL OF THE CREDIT.
I recently heard about a big event, and the leader came in at the last minute to “run the show.” All of the prep work, set-up, planning, etc., was done primarily without the leader. It wasn’t this leader’s vision or plan. But at the end of the day, guess what? This leader took all of the credit! One of this leader’s employees anticipated that when he said, “They’d better not take the credit on this one!” And, the leader did. Don’t be that leader. Deflect the praise to God and to the team!
#4 – YOUR TEAM NEEDS TO KNOW YOU’RE A TEAMMATE WITH THEM.
The best bosses think of themselves as working for the people around them. What example did we see in Jesus? A servant leader. In Mark 9:35, Jesus said, If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all. Let your team know that your leadership mentor is Jesus and that being a servant leader and teammate is what you strive to be as a Godly Leader.
#5 – YOU APOLOGIZE WHEN IT’S NECESSARY.
We all mess up. No one likes the person or boss that is never wrong. Just own it – ‘fess up. Apologize and ask for forgiveness, if necessary. That will be a good example for your employees and show them that Godly Leaders make mistakes, too. Actually, quite often!
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please subscribe below to receive a new weekly blog in your email on Tuesday morning. Also, if you think this blog would be helpful for others, please share it on social media or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!
Essential Godly Leadership: “Leading your life, your family, your work, your relationships, and your world in a way that is seeking wisdom from, and pleasing to, the Lord Jesus.”