How will I work this year?
Starting a new year, it’s timely to think “How will I work this year? With what attitude will I go about my work?”
In this blog I’d like to consider the book of the Bible called Philippians, and see what it says about attitudes we can adopt for working life. In particular, humility, contentment and not grumbling.
1. Humility
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
How does the Bible’s commendation of humility over selfish ambition apply to working life? One way is how we view promotions and the corporate ladder. Promotions are not to be the means by which we puff ourselves up; feel better about ourselves (I’m now a ‘somebody’); gain the respect of others that comes with a higher status: and exercise more power to boss others around! One way I’ve witnessed a person think about a possible promotion to head up the legal team of a big bank is this: “Tho, I’ve built good relationships with these colleagues and I believe I can lead them well; I can help them to do their work better; I can help them thrive in their roles.” This person expresses a desire to use his promotion not as a means to serve himself so much as a reason to serve those he will lead. This is attractive leadership, leadership not motivated by selfish ambition or vain conceit, but leadership that recognises the extra responsibility to care for others.
2. Contentment
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12
Discontentment can plague workers, with symptoms such as dreaming about another job “Wouldn’t life be better if I worked there rather than here?”; constant dissatisfaction, restlessness and even envy of others “If only I had her job rather than mine.” A quote on a friend’s fridge reads “Happiness isn’t having what you want, it’s wanting what you have.” For our purposes we could rephrase this to “Contentment is about being happy with your lot and not so concerned with how things might be different.” So instead of thinking “If only I had another job with fewer hours, more money, more interesting work, work which fulfils me, work which makes use of my latent talent that no one around here seems to recognise!” we can train ourselves to think “Given my life circumstances, skills and opportunities how do I best serve others in my current work role?” There may be many good reasons to leave your current job for another job. But an attitude of humble contentment in your present job is one worth cultivating.
3. Not grumbling
Do everything without complaining or arguing… Philippians 2:14
Sometimes we grumble and complain at work because we think “With my IQ, with my prestigious education, with my training, with my job title - how come people aren’t giving me the honour and recognition I deserve? How come things aren’t going my way?” The grumbling might be symptomatic of me-centredness. It may spring from the pride and vain conceit we mentioned earlier. What’s the alternative? Humility. Serving others however mundane the task, with your IQ, education and experience.
Other times it may be that you’re working so many hours that you’re drained, you’re at the end of your tether and the tank is empty and you’re just that more prone to being irritable and disagreeable. Maybe the best thing for you to do is to take a break. For the sake of everyone else and for your own sake have some rest. Enjoy some R&R. Then come back ready to serve.
What’s the antidote to grumbling and complaining? In a team I’ve worked with it was grumble, grumble, grumble. With a couple of people complaining about their circumstances, everybody else thought they’d weigh in and share their grievances too. Sure there’s a time and place to share your frustrations. But it’s not so much fun your workplace becomes characterised by grumbling. Enter in my workmate who’s often got something positive to share, sure he’s under the pump too and there are last minute things not going his way giving him grief - but he’ll mention something he’s thankful for in the course of his working week - and it’s like adding ice to your drink on a warm day - refreshing. Think of things you can be thankful for at work - perhaps ironically when you’re least feeling it - take a moment to say what’s good. And like my friend, pipe up about things you’re genuinely thankful for in team meetings - contribute positively to your team culture.
This year, have a go at cultivating attitudes from the wonderful book of Philippians
- Humility - use your position to serve others
- Contentment - make the most of serving others in your circumstances; and
- Instead of grumbling grow in thankfulness - it will make a positive difference to you and your workplace.
