day 1335: Altitude Awareness

"Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor."

I know a company that is hitting the ball out of the park day after day.  The growth is impressive and all things point up and to the right. It becomes easy for this company, and others to come down with, if they are not careful, a case of altitude sickness.  When we reach heights that we are not used to, all kinds of weird things can happen and if we are not careful, the higher we go, the sicker we can become, all the way to death.  We've seen it many times in companies where they think they have manifest destiny only too soon to be crashed back to earth.  Does MySpace come to mind?  Or AOL?  Being "altitude aware" is what allows us to fly high but still not lose our bearings or get ahead of ourselves. Any time we feel that we are succeeding, let's be sure and stay aware of where we are as we climb.

As followers of Jesus, we must always keep our egos in check and remain aware of where we are at all times. The minute we begin to think that we are above others, then we have lost the way of the Father.  God humbled Himself beyond our comprehension when He sent us Jesus.  For us to not live and work in that same humility is to miss the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of God.

Reference:  Proverbs 18:12 (New Living Translation)

day 1153: Filtering

"The humble will see their God at work and be glad."

Lots of business books talk about how we are to be sure that what we see is actually what is happening around us, or be sure that we know what filters we are viewing the world through. Instagram sold partly for $1B because of their cool filters and how people loved them for their photos. We each come from differences, and through  our own set of experiences then filter the world and our perception of what is occurring. I just got done having conversations with a number of people within a company who all work in the same place and are dealing with the same issues, who work for the same person and they all see things around them slightly, or in some cases, drastically different. It's a weird thing to see as an outsider looking in, but it's not hard to understand how each one of them can see things askew of someone else because of their different and varied backgrounds and experiences. We all need to remember this when we sit with someone and hear their side of a story and we don't understand what they are saying or where they are coming from. The reason is likely not them, it could be more us seeing and hearing them through our own filters. If we could/would do this then we would find that we would be much more understanding and accepting of others. Every company and workplace I know could stand to receive an extra dose of both.

One filter we should all have is humility. David says that if we start with humility we will see something special. Read in Psalm 69:32; "The humble will see their God at work and be glad." Without humility we may be filtering out our ability to see God's full handiwork. It makes sense, because those who are proud are not those who know that it is only by God's grace that we are here and able to do what we do. So today, check your filters and see if humility is overriding your pride. If it isn't, then today would be a good day to do a re-prioritizing and bring humility back up and forward as a good filter for all that you see and do.

Reference: Psalm 69:32 (New Living Translation)

day 967: Humility Pill

 “…other than at work”

I worked many a year and I don’t think I can remember a day that I rose and on my way to the office, I said to myself, “Today, I am going to work really hard at ensuring that others get ahead of me”. It’s just not the way that work is structured. Organizational hierarchy has only one box at the top of the pyramid and so on and so on. So, instead it is ingrained in us to reach for the top and to get there, with or without regard to the others we work. It’s not malicious or mean-spirited, but it is just the way it is. But, as we find purpose in our work, we are to think of ourselves differently.

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul says to us that we are to think about others as better than ourselves. Yes, you read that correctly, we are to put others in front of ourselves and Paul didn’t say, “…other than at work”. No, we are to adopt this spirit of humility in all that we do, including work. I find this not only a formidable challenge but also as one that runs so counter to what we face day-in and day-out that the only way we can live up to this challenge is to draw deeply on our faith and believe that if we work as Paul describes that we can still succeed and advance in our careers. But, if we take heed of Jesus’ words how we finish up on the organization chart has no forbearance on how we will receive our eternal rewards. So, it is a no lose proposition, we are to put others in front of ourselves and let the rest of it work itself out. I know, it is not easy, but what in life and work is? Remember, nothing worth good is easy. So, today, take that humility pill and allow yourself to put others in front of you and wait for the rewards.

Reference: Philippians 2:3-4 (New Living Testament)

day 538: The Opposite Reaction

Every once in a while we are fortunate enough to be the presence of someone who has a opposite reaction to what we expect and we are amazed. Usually we don't want opposite reactions. Usually we want a predictable and expected response but in one particular case, the "opposite reaction" is extraordinary and this is when someone is being rewarded, getting thanked, or being showered with accolades. It is at this moment that the opposite reaction is always the best. In fact, if the reaction is genuinely opposite then we will actually go and tell others about it. What I mean is when someone shows full humility and passes their accolades on to someone else and while in that moment puts themselves so far below others that we are all amazed, touched and moved it becomes special. It is because the person's behavior is an "opposite" reaction to what most other people will do. It's amazing how many times throughout the day we have the opportunity to show humility. It starts with when we receive praise for the work we do. Since very little work is done by someone alone, are we taking that moment to show off someone else or show off ourselves? When it comes time to receive the award does it become ours or is it the teams? If we are looking for a role model we have to look no further than In Numbers 12:3 where we are told; "Now Moses was more humble than any other man on earth". Just to read that right, "...than any other man on earth". Yes, the Moses that we now hold up as such a great man and example can also be looked at as the man who must have done the "opposite" all the time as he was known to be a man of humility. This week what opportunities did you have to do the opposite and turn the glory and the spotlight over to others? What opportunities will you have today or next week? Remember, if we have the "opposite reaction" of what others expect from us, and we model humility like Moses, then our opposite reaction for what the world expects becomes then exactly what God expects.

Reference: Numbers 12:3 (New Living Testament)

day 419: Filtered Views

Lots of business books talk about how we are to be sure that what we see is actually what is happening around us, or be sure that we know what filters we are viewing the world through. We each come from, and through, our own set of experiences that then filter the world and our perception of what is occurring. I just got done having conversations with a number of people within a company who all work in the same place and are dealing with the same issues, who work for the same person and they all see things around them slightly, or in some cases, drastically different. It's a weird thing to see as an outsider looking in, but it's not hard to understand how each one of them can see things askew of someone else because of their different and varied backgrounds and experiences. We all need to remember this when we sit with someone and hear their side of a story and we don't understand what they are saying or where they are coming from. The reason is likely not them, it is more us not seeing and hearing them through our own filters. If we could, would, do this then we would find that we would be much more understanding and accepting of others. Every company and workplace I know could stand to receive an extra does of both. One filter we should all have is humility. David says that if we start with humility we will see something special. Read in Psalm 69:32; "The humble will see their God at work and be glad." Without humility we may be filtering out our ability to see God's full handiwork. It makes sense, because those who are proud are not those who know that it is only by God's grace that we are here and able to do what we do. So today, check your filters and see if humility is overriding your pride. If it isn't, then today would be a good day to do a re-prioritizing and bring humility back up and forward as a good filter for all that you see and do.

Reference: Psalm 69:32 (New Living Testament)

day 236: The Power Seat

Every conference room at work has a power seat. Power seats are the seats where the boss or the most "important" person in the room always sits. No one has to say what seat that is, it just becomes known after the first meeting in that room and from that point on this is the seat left open and reserved until the boss shows up. I have been as guilty as any manager of establishing a power seat and making it my routine to sit in the same place each time. Usually that seat is at the end of the table. However, for a dinner or gathering of many people, I was always taught that sitting in the middle of the table is the best spot because the chance to interact with others is much higher...people on your left, right, and across from you. What neither of these approaches address is the lesson of humility. What we learn through our work, societal norms, and how we are raised, does not necessarily match up with what we are taught as believers and people of faith. In fact, the lessons we are taught at work are just the opposite and cause us to struggle with our work identity and our real self. We can feel like we are living two lives and that in itself adds stress and consternation into what is already "too much". Jesus is very straightforward on the lesson of humility and he is very clear on where to find the real power seat. He says in Luke 14: 8-11; "When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” There is the real power seat! Today, as you head back into meetings with your co-workers and as you walk into the meeting room think about the power seat and how you can through your actions and words bring forth a spirit of humility, cooperation and understanding of everyone on your team; recognizing those who don't normally getting recognized and passing on the accolades to others. If you do, you will find yourself sitting in the real power seat!

Reference: Luke 14:8-11 (New Living Testament)

day 67: worKING Clothes; part 3 - Humility

Throughout these Purposed worKING blogs we have spent a fair amount of time on humility and the importance of demonstrating it in the work place. Why so much time on this topic? It is for two reasons; first, the Bible is full of rich examples of the need and direction for humility, secondly, and more pertinent, is that the work place demands just the opposite and so practicing humility becomes a real chore and challenge. Work is set up for us to achieve and be recognized for what we do. When Adam Smith broke down work into tasks and individual contributions humility slipped right off the conveyor belt. How do you get to the top or the next job or promotion if you don't be sure that someone knows what you are doing and that you are singled out and recognized for your contributions? That's just the way work works. So are we really to be humble at work? Yes, we are. Paul says it in Colossians 3:12: "Since God chose you to be the holy people whom He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility..." Humility can come in many forms. I don't think we are meant to walk around with our heads down and stand in the back of the crowd and not to step forward when our name is called to be recognized. But, we are to be cognizant that nothing we do, in work or in our lives, is a solo effort. Even the greatest athletes who perform in a singular sport are quick to recognize the coach or training partner who got them to their peak performance. Anyone who stands in front of others and doesn't have the humility to recognize those who helped them get to where they are has no sense of humility. Each and every day at work we have the moment where we can bask in the solo recognition or we can add on to the email back that it was a team effort and really we should be recognizing Joe or Jane for the work they did on the project. Great leaders, as defined by those we want to work for or with, know how to do this. They may be confident and assured in their positions and work but they know how to be humble in their recognition and acknowledgements. We can all be more humble. It's not easy to be so, that is why we read so many lessons about learning to be so in the Bible. It is why Paul tells us that we "must" clothe ourselves with humility. We, as those who want to bring purpose to our work and be examples to others, are required to suit up with humility each and every day.

Reference: Colossians 3:12 (New Living Testament)

day 29: Who's Better Than Me?

I worked many a year and I don’t think I can remember a day that I rose and on my way to the office, I said to myself, “Today, I am going to work really hard at ensuring that others get ahead of me”. It’s just not the way that work is structured. Organizational hierarchy has only one box at the top of the pyramid and so on and so on. So, instead it is ingrained in us to reach for the top and to get there, with or without regard to the others we work. It’s not malicious or mean-spirited, but it is just the way it is. But, as we find purpose in our work, we are to think of ourselves differently. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul says to us that we are to think about others as better than ourselves. Yes, you read that correctly, we are to put others in front of ourselves and Paul didn’t say, “…other than at work”. No, we are to adopt this spirit of humility in all that we do, including work. I find this not only a formidable challenge but also as one that runs so counter to what we face day-in and day-out that the only way we can live up to this challenge is to draw deeply on our faith and believe that if we work as Paul describes that we can still succeed and advance in our careers. But, if we take heed of Jesus’ words how we finish up on the organization chart has no forbearance on how we will receive our eternal rewards. So, it is a no lose proposition, we are to put others in front of ourselves and let the rest of it work itself out. I know, it is not easy, but what in life and work is? Remember, nothing worth good is easy. So, today, take that humility pill and allow yourself to put others in front of you and wait for the rewards.


Reference: Philippians 2:3-4 (New Living Testament)

day 12: The Cool Head

Work is filled with moments that get us ruffled and upset. With all the different kinds of personalities and personal agendas swirling around each day it is hard to not fall into the trap of finding ourselves irritated by the smallest word or action and sometimes just downright angry at a co-worker over an email, something said in a meeting, or a decision made that did not take our opinion (or feelings) into account. We've all been there and somehow I think in today's age of email and text message communication it is easier to misinterpret and misconstrue things more than ever. I wish I could count the number of times, but I can't because they are too many, where I received an email that sent me over the top and in typing the response back if the keys weren't made of the hard plastic that they are, they would have broken from the striking pressure from each angry keystroke. I did learn long ago, the hard way, that those messages must immediately go to draft and must sit for 24 hours in their cooling off period, otherwise they cause lots more trouble. The cooling off period is even harder when in PDA/Blackberry mode. It's better to lock the thing in the glove box and go on into dinner than think you can respond in real time with anything close to resembling civility. But, civility, diplomacy and humility is what we are called to demonstrate. In Titus 3:2 Paul exhorts believers to act in a manner that is above the fray. He says, "They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone". Gentleness and humility are not usually personality traits that show up on our business performance appraisals as ones that will get you ahead. But, that is what we are told to be when faced with those moments when everyone else talking behind the backs of others or losing their cool and going after each other. Today, when the scuffle starts see if you can be the cool headed one in the group. The one that wards off the fight by gently bringing the conversation back to where it should be and/or with great humility move the position of argument to the center where it can be resolved. Use this moment today to test yourself and for others to see that you approached the situation differently than others and in fact become the example of what Paul asks us to be.


Reference: Titus 3:2 (New Living Testament)