Modern Day Christian Chick

I am under no illusion that life is fair, especially in the workplace. I do, however, believe that the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

I have spent the past 26 years as a civil servant. I knew from the very early stages of my employment that the job structure, promotional ladder and general work culture was prohibitive of original and progressive thought, so I decided long ago to approach my employment solely as a means to an end.

I simply work to finance my life which has alway been separate and apart from the workplace. It is for me as it is for many, that the depth and breadth of my and so many other’s gifts and abilities would be lost on such a restrictive and oppressive work culture. It is a space where voices are muted and visionary aspirations are suppressed.

Any idea that would dare to approach the boundary lines of the proverbial “box” has been killed in action - or should I say has fallen victim to the premeditative actions of those who seek to murder it.

I have watched leadership drain the life out of those in the workplace who dare to dream and believe the impossible can be accomplished. They are dream killers - the ones who know that they cannot begin to be positive change agents so they block your every attempt at trying to do so. By the way, those people - the ones with the skill, professional knowledge, and documented exemplary work product - the think outside of the box folk - they are the ones that do not get promoted.

I have witnessed people with little experience, narrow focus, little to no creativity and a mediocre skill set at best be promoted over progressive, articulate, creative minded visionaries all because leadership is looking for yes people who will stroke their ego and do as they are told with little to no push back - even if the push back is warranted for the greater good of the organization or company.

To those people I say, that the respect of your peers and your subordinates ( i loathe that word by the way but it seems to get the job done in this context so I’m going to roll with it) is far greater than any promotion. I say that fully understanding the career and financial implications, however, sometimes the tangible is not as meaningful as the intangible.

As I have conversations with people that work in a wide range of industries in the public and private sector, they are reporting similar experiences. The vacation of promotion based on merit is widespread and acquiesces to the ego and hidden agendas of those who are charged with making the decisions.

To all of you who are struggling in the workplace, who are being supervised and dictated to by dream killers, who are dealing with the micro aggressions committed by those who believe they have power over you , who work tirelessly and receive no recognition for your efforts - my message to you is to continue to do the same exemplary work that, by all reasonable standards, should have earned you the respect, promotion and recognition that you are due.

For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God. He promotes one and deposes another. Seek out ones in leadership positions who are the visionaries and progressive in thought. Work as if working unto the Lord and not man. Continue to be honorable in your actions, and maintain a servant leadership mentality. You can lead from any position, so lead from where you are and own your sense of responsibility within the sphere of your influence.

You may feel overlooked and unappreciated but remember that The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. God requires us to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. Fulfill those requirements in your workplace as you deal with others. Keep pressing and receive your validation and worth from God, the one who created you and who gives you strength.