Many times people in leadership roles can take the idea that their thoughts are better than anyone else’s simply because they are “the boss”. Just because someone has achieved a position of leadership, they are not automatically blessed with superior knowledge. Good leaders will solicit ideas and opinions from each member of their staff, taking advantage of the diversity that they offer. Not racial diversity but the diversity of education, experience, up bringing and how they all play a role in decisions and creativity. A true leader will become a funnel for ideas and sort through them to provide the best outcome. Keep in mind, there are times when a quick decision is needed and the leader is unable to solicit from the workforce. In these situations, the leader must use the knowledge and skills that put them in their position. After a quick decision, leaders should take time to explain what the conditions were and what decisions were made. It will be important to use the inclusion of others again to continue growing their faith in you.

Isaiah 55:9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”.

This verse is not about us but how great God is and that we should always rely on His word and ways. We try to make our own choices and decisions without turning to the bible for help. God’s wisdom is found throughout the bible and the best way for us to learn and understand His way is through regular bible study. Commit time each day to reading the bible and studying the greatest of all leaders – Jesus Christ. The study of Jesus and His ways show us what God intended for us. Jesus demonstrated love and caring for us, even those that did not appreciate what or whom they had before them. Jesus took time to explain his actions through the use of parables. He wanted to make sure that he gave his followers an explanation of the word, one that they could repeat for others over and over. His ways are higher than ours and we should be thankful every day for that.

We all gained a leadership position but what was the cost? How did you get to your position? Perhaps it was achieving higher sales than anyone else or maybe you beat out your competition for promotion by getting that one extra bit of information that no one else could get. Maybe you had “extra” help from a member of the senior staff. We all know that sales can be a cut-throat business and that promotional processes can be competitive; but a new position can be achieved honestly and with integrity. How aggressive do you play to win? Do nice guys really finish last? If we all look into our pasts, chances are good that we will see times when it appears that or perhaps we actually did; forfeit our souls to get ahead. What is worth trading your soul for? The riches of the world are very appealing: new cars, bigger houses, a boat, jewelry and the like. These are the material things of this world that we are reminded about throughout the bible, not to pay attention to but to keep our focus on God.

Matthew 16:26 “What good will it be for a man if he gains the world yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

We need to be leading and living according to God’s word, today. What can a man give in exchange for his soul? We may gain much in this life but if we do little with it, we will be very disappointed with our results. We are assured by John in the second part of verse 3:16 “for whoever believes in him will have eternal life”. We can rest assured that God will keep his promises to us. What obligation do you have to God? We should be willing to be faithful servants to our Lord and we can do that by putting our beliefs into action. Are you leading like a good Christian; with truth, ethics, nobility and God as your guiding force? It is always just one more for us, one more time and I’ll have the next promotion or one more time and I’ll get the best assignment, then I’ll repent. Today, if you’re still focused on the gains of this world, turn away from what you’re doing, turn away from what you did to get your position and lead as if your soul depends on it, it just might!

A good reputation or a good name is hard to come by but can be very easy to loose. A good name is critical to your success in your work. Spend a moment to think: who is a leader you know that you’d like to emulate? Who is someone you enjoy speaking with? Who is someone that has helped you in your career or trained you in something new? Now ask yourself, have I done any of these things for others? It is difficult for us to know what our own reputation is, at least what people really think. Taking time to reflect on your own reputation and to answer these questions may help you measure how good your name really is.  People have placed a lot of emphasis on being successful (riches) and success by today’s standards usually equals wealth. I have a friend who is asking leaders the questions “are you being significant or successful?” He suggests that being significant to someone or others is far more important than any material success you may achieve.

Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

As a Christian, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your faith everyday and be an example of Christian life. To create a good name you can show others your compassion, caring, understanding and patience. Being aggressive in business has been rewarded with bonuses and perks but might be at the cost of your good name. We learn from the message in Proverbs that it is better to be esteemed rather than rich. God will provide you great riches if you live a good life. He will give you the most important good name – Saved One. Leadership is not about getting something; it is about giving yourself to others, to share what you know so that others can become significant. Jesus did it by giving himself for our salvation, how hard can it be for us?

Middle managers have the hardest job. They are pulled in all directions – from the top, from below, from their peers and from within themselves. If you really think about it, we are all middle managers; we have someone or a group to report to. Who do the middle managers actually serve? If they keep the “company line” from the top, those who report to them will suffer. As employees, we are like plants: what isn’t cared for will dry up and die. We usually spend time taking care of those above us since they are usually the one’s who determine whether we keep working or not. When we focus solely on being a good follower, we neglect those around us: our peers who help us, those who count on us to lead and most importantly, we tend to neglect ourselves. Too many people in “leadership” positions exploit the phrase “a man’s life is not his own.” The truth is: they’re right! But our daily work life is the wrong focus of that phrase.

Jeremiah 10:23 “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own, it is not for a man to direct his steps.”

The truth however, is that as middle managers we need to remember that we do not serve at the will of our bosses but at the will of God. “It is not for man to direct his steps” is the verse that God uses to remind us that He is ordering the events of our lives and not us. When we start thinking that we are in control, is when we start to get lost. Our lives are not our own because we are here to serve each other and give all of the glory to God for His work in and through us. This puts us right in the middle, right where God wants us to be. Focus on serving the Lord and do His will by letting Him direct your steps. Lead others by providing a good example of how to care for each other. As a “middle man” you can care for everyone around you; it’s a test of your faith. Remember, even if they didn’t help you get to where you are, they are helping you stay where you are; all because God is directing the steps.