— 3 minute read —
Being the boss is hard work. Bosses are in the difficult position of being responsible to both their clients and their employees. If clients are unhappy, bosses run the risk of not being able to provide for their employees. If employees are unhappy, bosses risk losing clients. Whom should bosses hire? Who should be fired? Which projects should take priority? It’s a constant balancing act. The buck stops with the boss, along with all the associated stress. There are many opinions about what it takes to make a good boss. But have you ever considered what it takes to make a great employee? In celebration of National Boss’s Day (October 16), let’s explore what we as employees can do to better support our bosses.
1. Pray for them.
This simple step is so often overlooked. Your boss makes decisions that will directly impact you and the company. A burden of responsibility comes with positions of power. Solomon acknowledged the weight of this responsibility when he asked God for wisdom in judging His people (see 2 Chronicles 1:10). Pray that your boss will have wisdom in accepting or declining opportunities. Pray for your boss to have clarity in seeing the big picture and the impact that his or her decisions will have on individuals and departments.
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2. Know them. Study them.
What is your boss’s vision for the company? What are his or her core values? If you don’t know, ask! Get to know how your boss thinks and how he or she would want the job to get done. Learn everything you can from your boss and apply it. Remember that your boss is ultimately responsible. Realize that a part of your job is to make your boss and the company look good. Study them both so that you can represent them well (see I Timothy 6:1).
3. Stay informed.
Strive to become the expert in your area. Your boss has the right to expect you to work hard and smart. The boss should not have to spoon-feed a seasoned employee. Keep informed on topics and trends in your area of responsibility (see 2 Timothy 2:15).
4. Keep them informed.
There is an expression: Information is king and knowledge is power. You have the ability to empower your boss! A great employee will not allow his or her boss to be blindsided. Keep your boss informed. A great employee learns how to summarize important information without inflicting information overload. Document well. Offer solutions rather than complaints (see Proverbs 24:5).
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5. Be reliable.
Do what you say you are going to do (see Matthew 5:37). Finish your assigned tasks on or ahead of schedule. If that is impossible, discuss the issues with your boss well in advance of the due date so alternative plans can be made. Develop a reputation for going above and beyond. Allow your boss the freedom of knowing that you can be counted on.
6. Remember whom you really work for.
Colossians 3:22–23
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
Everything we do for our bosses should be done “as to the Lord.” We must give Him our best.
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