Ephesians 6:9 (ESV) —
9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
NOTE: Employers are to follow the same instructions as the employee. In other words, each is working to please God, not to make a show for others. I have noticed this in young managers (young enlisted supervisors), the power goes to their head and they treat those under them with contempt, trying to show that they are above them. It is a High School game and it is very toxic. I don't like people promoted too young, it seldom is a good thing, unless they have a very good boss who presents a good example. People also talk about servant leadership, but few who use the phrase actually live out the life.
When I was a commander, nearly 17 years into my military career, I had my first true opportunity to exercise these concepts. I had very good bosses. I was absolutely ready to be a squadron commander. I immediately started praying for each person in the squadron, getting there early in the morning and closing my office door to pray. I met with everyone in my squadron, not just my direct reports, and learned about them and the goals for their career. I walked around the office multiple times each day as I got coffee to chit chat with people. I traveled out to operating locations and detachments, spending significant time to get to know people. I put them in front of General officers to give presentations that I probably could have done a little better. I cared for each one of them like a father and a mother. And I saw the results, we were recognized as a top performing squadron with an "outstanding" score during inspections. I know these concepts work. They are not mine, but what God says in verse 9.
PONDER:
- What am I learning about leadership?
- What am I displaying to others about leadership?
PRAYER: Father, you have been very gracious to me in my career. It is hard to believe it is over, I enjoyed it too much. I may be retired, but I know you will continue to use me in other volunteer ventures. Thank you.
