Integrity in Your WorkplaceНамуна

That Other Workplace Document

Reading

Proverbs 14:23 [NIV] All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

James 2:12-13 [NIV] Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Reflection

I got a phone call from a younger colleague. She now holds a management position, and for the first time, she is required to evaluate others. She knows this is part of the job, but she doesn’t relish doing it. And I told her she shouldn’t enjoy doing it!

Performance appraisal is important, yet it should be the least-favorite task of the manager. But because of the distaste, many managers try to get around doing it honestly. Some water-down weaknesses to not offend. Or balance strength for every weakness to make the worker feel good. Or rate all employees at the same level in an effort to treat everyone equally. Naturally, these strategies have awful consequences for employee and agency.

In addition to job descriptions and workflow charts, I recommended my young colleague consult that other workplace document – the Bible. There’s a lot in it about job performance. God expects benefits for hard workers, as well as consequences for others.

Now, some believe that other workplace document is filled with contradictions. But I told my friend to read carefully. Evaluation must be done without prejudice – but it must be done with mercy. For poor performance, penalize. For no performance, terminate. For exceptional performance, reward. Do not be afraid of what others will say but find merciful paths in speaking and acting about the performance.

Nowhere in that other workplace document does it suggest you should have fun in the performance process. And following Jesus is never easy – including at work.

Today at work, you will be more in line with Him if you do not forget to use that other workplace document! There you will find merciful paths in rendering judgment.

Prayer

Father God, it is never easy in my workplace. If I must assess, give me wisdom to rely on Your Word as I follow the job description and other reports. But let me find merciful paths in rendering judgment. In Your Son’s Name, I pray. Amen.

James D. Slack