“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
By David Staloch
It is easy for me to equate “being blessed” to “having more.” More things, more health, more power, more friends—my desire to have more is prevalent.
In the corporate world, “more” is measured by bigger team size, larger budgets, and by promotions and job titles. Also, prior to the open workspace concepts that are increasingly popular today, the location and size of your office was a very visible measure of “more.”
I had a large team and was struggling to understand the realities of the work activities and the obstacles that my team was facing. I had tried several revisions in my leadership approach without any material improvement.
In a discussion with one of my direct reports, he suggested that I get out of my office and spend more time interacting with team members. His guidance was not just a recommendation to “walk the floor” more often—he was recommending giving up my large, quiet, private, windowed office and instead, sit permanently in a standard cubicle within the midst of my team.
After prayer and reflection, I quietly made the move as I knew that this was aligned to my overall desire to be a servant leader. I thanked God for providing a messenger to make the suggestion.
The results were nearly immediate and far reaching. That simple change allowed me to be more approachable, to be more interactive, to be part of the discussion as it was occurring in real time. The need for status reporting and other administrative overhead decreased—the identification and removal of obstacles became quicker and more comprehensive.
Not surprisingly, several of my peers in leadership asked me if I had been demoted, or if I was leaving the company, or being punished for having done something wrong. Many others wanted to occupy my now empty office, but I warned them to be careful what you wish for.
I thank God that he gave me the humility to “give up” something that I felt I had earned and to allow him to replace that with increased satisfaction in my work, better contribution to my company, and improved relationships with my team members.
Pray
Lord, please help me to set aside my pride, acknowledge my spiritual poverty, and demonstrate more reliance and trust in you.
Reflect
In what areas of your work life could you approach God poor in spirit with a clear acknowledgement of your need for his presence, guidance, and peace?
Discuss
Are you seeking more of what the world deems as blessings, or are you humbly coming before God with your needs and patiently seeking his blessings?
David Staloch is a technology leader in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and an ardent utilizer of WorkLight content to equip and encourage Christians in the Salt and Light group at his company.