“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
By Gary Gonsalves
I had recently been promoted to my dream position, regional president, with nine division presidents and four functional VPs reporting to me.
In the first meeting with my new boss, he made it clear that I should consider firing the division president (Steve) in our Portland office. As I investigated Steve’s performance file I could find nothing to support his removal.
After a lot of thought and prompting by the Holy Spirit, I told the CEO I was not going to fire Steve. Instead, I was going to invest myself in turning him around. This led to a very honest meeting with Steve. I told him where he stood, and more importantly, I also told him that I believed he could turn his situation around. This was an emotional meeting. Tears flowed as Steve realized his status.
First, Steve would have to “begin anew” with his team and make visible changes in how he managed other people. We had just 60 days. It was going to take hard work to see progress in such a short time.
We started with an anonymous feedback survey with his team. I had him build a performance improvement plan which included formal training and frequent coaching sessions with me, and others from my staff.
To his credit, Steve really opened up to his team and embraced real change. The culture of the entire division changed under the improvements Steve made, and he showed genuine gratitude for my belief in his career. In fact, the following year, Steve’s division received the “Most Improved Award” given annually to one of our 45 locations.
As I look back, this experience was one of the highlights of my career. It all began with the gift of toil provided to me by God!
Pray
Lord, thank you for all the opportunities you provide us to go to bat for others. Help us to have a merciful heart, as you do with us.
Reflect
Think about the people around you in your life. Who needs your help and what sacrifice will you need to make to help? Will you offer to assist them?
Discuss
What are some Godly principles you can apply in helping those who need your help?
Gary Gonsalves is a retired corporate executive living in Rancho Mirage, CA, and proud Papa to Mason, Miles, Paige, and Mena. He is the president of the Palm Desert, CA, Chapter.