How to Manage People With Integrity

The work environment can be challenging for Christians. God calls us to higher standards than what the world expects, and our faith can at times come into conflict with both our supervisors and our employees. How do we do our jobs well while also remaining faithful to God?

There’s a Tension Between Being a Boss and Having a Boss

These days, it’s rare that someone is a boss without having a boss, and while trying to be a good employee to someone else, we can be challenged in being a fair, honest boss for others. Tension as a “middle manager” can push us and challenge our commitment to godly living in the workplace.

Faith in Jesus Makes a Difference as a Manager

When leading others in the workplace, Christians must hold themselves to a high standard by acting with integrity. Our employees are not commodities or machines to be taken advantage of, but complete human beings with plenty of stresses and responsibilities outside the workplace. Faith gives us an ethical framework for treating others in God-honoring ways.

Don’t Ask Employees to Do What You Don’t Do

Difficult bosses can sometimes teach us what sorts of bosses we don’t want to be. One way this often manifests itself is in bosses who demand from employees what they don’t demand from themselves. If you are in management, don’t drop the hammer on your employees for arriving late if you’re routinely late. Hold yourself to the same standard you hold them to, and when it comes time to put in the extra hours to meet that deadline, they’ll go the whole nine yards with you.

Promote a Work-Life Balance

We all have priorities outside of work, and if you’re a manager, listen to your employees. Do what you can to help them when an emergency comes up, just as you would hope your boss would do for you. Create a culture of teamwork so that when someone does need to step away from work, others will be ready and able to cover shifts or pick up hours for the good of everyone.

Communicate with Honesty

Honesty with employees is crucial. People need to know if they’re falling short or not meeting expectations. If you’ve built a culture of honesty, you’ll be prepared to have tough conversations when those times arise.

Give Appropriate Praise

It’s often assumed that bosses are ready to drop the hammer the moment employees mess up. If you’re a boss, be an exception to that idea. Giving credit where credit is due is a great way to show employees that they are cared for and valued as people. For some, it’s actually a great way to motivate them and increase productivity. Don’t fall into the mindset of thinking that because your employees are being paid, thanks isn’t in order for a job well done. Take every opportunity to show gratitude and encouragement when you’re able, and watch as your workers rise to any occasion.

Article for this topic by Daniel Martin.