We are called to make godly impact in our workplace. We cannot afford to be identified by our colleagues as with wrong motives, nor be a stumbling block to any of them, Peter Christopher Raj of Franklin Templeton Investments (Ltd) comments on Proverbs 28.
(The book of Proverbs, mainly written by King Solomon (the wisest man) and some more kings – who were large scale employers, is a very important source of consulting for professionals in corporate world, who sincerely aim improvement in work efficiency, success in career, and thereby effectiveness in positively impacting their work atmosphere. The below mentioned passage mostly contains rearranged verses from the captioned chapter and less interpretation – that are in hints format rather than an article for your quick reference)
What are the moments when we feel boldness and fear? Why? Often convictions and intentions decide them. (v1). Are we committed to and stand for the case of justice at office? (v5) Better it is to be ‘poor and blameless’ than to be ‘rich and perverse’ at our office (v6,7). The Lord detests unlawful people (v8-9). Fear of the Lord leads to blessings, hardening of heart leads to troubles (v14).
We should be the ‘most productive’ people in our workplaces and not ‘fantasy chasers’ (v19). Do we work in the same manner in the presence of and in the absence of our boss? On the other hand, how closely we know about truthfulness of our subordinates’ in their ‘work efficiency’? Do they truly deliver their best? “When a country is rebellious it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order” (v2).
Are we impartial to our subordinates, or unduly ‘stingy’ towards them? (v3, 21, 22) What are the motives behind when we agree with someone or disagree on a point? (v4) Surely there are times when we should not support some causes (v17). Undue support with selfish motives will not go unidentified (v20).
Flattering tongue gains quick favor that last temporarily, while ‘rebuking’ tongue “gains more favor” that lasts long (v23). A good strategy to build long lasting positive impression about us is being ‘realistic’. Our subordinates need to see us ‘helpful’, rather than think of them ‘helpless’. (v15).
We should surely help them to build themselves and increase their effectiveness (v27). We are called to make godly impact in our workplace. We cannot afford to be identified by our colleagues as with wrong motives, nor be a stumbling block to any of them (v11,10).
If our office life as a testimony is effective, people will love to receive us among them, rather than moving away from our presence; they will enjoy in our triumph instead of rising against us. (v12,28). We need to be quick to say ‘apology’ whenever we may be wrong; we also need to forgive others truly (v13).
Do we ‘rob’ our subordinates, colleagues, boss or the organization in any manner? (V22,24). “He who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life” (v16,18) A professional who is ‘greedy’ for quick gains and fastest career growth will “stirs up dissension” “but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper”. (v25) “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe” (v26).
