I was caught by surprise this afternoon when I was speaking with somebody on the phone. We were discussing the lines of communication and who reported where in the organizational structure. Right there, in the middle of the conversation, the guy said, “The way I look at it – my boss is a girl…” Those of us who heard the remark couldn’t help but break out laughing. It wasn’t the content of what he said – it was the way he said it. It was just plain funny…
The truth of the matter is that, as most of you know, I specialize in two areas of consulting. The first area is large, complex organizations and the more personal part of my work comes when I consult to women owned businesses. Experience has shown me that in consulting with women owned businesses, I derive a great sense of accomplishment – assisting to move these businesses forward. More times than not, I have found that women owned businesses have unique issues that male dominated companies don’t usually face. For example, women tend to have greater compassion when dealing with their people and the pursuit of the almighty dollar, while important, isn’t necessarily as important as the relationships and making sure that people and families are treated with respect and dignity.
This may sound like a minor difference, but it isn’t. Aside from these issues of compassion and grace, the “journey” is very much a part of the experience – not just the result. Sometimes, these wonderful traits end up being perceived as negatives by the others outside the walls of the business. Vendors can try to take advantage, job seekers tend to be a little more dominant, people push the bounds of the rules and even banks make it more difficult for women to enter into borrowing arrangements.
I guess that I am so used to working in these types of companies that I don’t even think about it any more. So when someone remarked about having a woman for a boss, it took a moment for it to occur to me that I also have a number of women bosses – and I couldn’t be more pleased.
In the broader sense of life, and our faith, our ultimate boss is God. That’s right – our earthly bosses are one thing, and very important, by the way. But it is the Lord whom we serve. God expects us to commit our best effort to make sure that we always give honor the people that we are working for. The verse for this evening is from Col. 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
My encouragement this evening is to remind you that you work for the most generous boss in the world, or in the heavens, come to think of it. My prayer is that you will honor God by making sure that you do your best in whatever position you find yourself in the work world – even if your boss is a woman… welcome to my world, and I wouldn’t have it any other way… Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…