We live in interesting times. There is a tremendous labor shortage and massive turn over. There are three reasons in my opinion:
1. Vast numbers of Americans are on the Government welfare teat. The government encourages this because they want slaves dependent on them for free cheese.
2. Middle management in most companies do not make their employees feel like they are part of a family. They are not treated with respect, but like rented mules.
3. Corporate Greed. Huge companies buoyed by support from Democrats, Rinos, and The Chamber of Commerce (local and national) advocate for unchecked immigration so they can pay slave wages, and increase profits by replacing American workers.
Having been in the workforce for 50 years, both in management and as an employee I believe I have certain insight. Also, the Bible certainly gives examples that management can put into practice.It is a fact that Servant Leadership is lacking and the result is employees no longer feel valued, resulting in a lack of loyalty.
Philippians chapter two and John chapter 13 reveal Jesus' management style. And Jesus is our role model. Philippians 2 is known as the great Kenosis chapter. Kenosis is Greek for 'emptying'.
Philippians 2. 5ff:
Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, who being God, did not cling to the rights and privileges of deity, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.
John 13.1-16 excerpts:
Jesus rose from supper, laid aside his garments and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet. When he had finished washing their feet, he resumed his place ( at the head of the table,) and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you?". "You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right, for so I am". " If I your Lord and Teacher has washed your feet, you also should wash each others' feet. For I have given you an example."
There is no question that Jesus was their boss. But he didn't feel the need to isolate himself. He ate with his subordinates. He attended weddings and funerals, he ate with Pharisees and sinners. He was available.
Sam Walton understood this. He visited his stores. He asked employees for their ideas. He would get down on one knee to let them know he wasn't too good to interact with them. He eastablished the 'open door' policy that any employee could share their ideas or concerns with any member of management without fear of reprisal.
Unfortunately, his lesson was abandoned shortly after his death. And most managers today have no concept of this. Employee input is unwelcome, and they are left out of the loop. They are not asked for imput, just told what to do. As a result employees do not feel ownership in their companies.
I experienced this at Walmart. 2 times I went to upper level management, to express concerns. Both times I was told in no uncertain terms to leave them alone if I wanted to keep my job.
In today's market employees must be made to feel valued. Respect is just as important as a paycheck. It doesn't mean management should get entangled in employees' personal lives. But respect is earned. And employees who feel they are a valued partner in the business will be much more likely to stay.
How many marriages fail because a partner is taken for granted and not appreciated?
The same is true in secu!ar work as well as in church and ministry settings. Jesus showed us what a !eader should be !ike.
Jack
