Weekly Thought – July 18, 2017
Fred often thought out his counsel to younger ones who asked much like the Apostle Paul (Fred’s way of referencing him) wrote to Timothy. He outlined ways to mature for character development was uppermost in his thinking.
Encouraging them to grow in grace and walk in a manner worthy of their calling is our heart’s desire as we engage with college students. Please pray for our work at BWFLI.
Wisdom for the Workplace
One of the first principles of a successful job is stated simply: Do accept the first job as a complete challenge, and not just a step to the next one. Do the job well – better than anyone else, if possible. Add something to the job which didn’t exist before you accepted it. Another way to add value is to establish a better way of doing the job than the current method. Make it easier for someone to come behind you and learn it more quickly.
Talk and think about this job until you have mastered, focusing on where you are, not where you want to be until it is appropriate. Remember, this first job well done becomes your platform for the next step. You are probably thinking this is self-defeating and short-sighted. After all, you hear all the time to constantly focus on where you want to be. I disagree. Keeping your eyes and head on the job at hand and mastering it prepares you for the next step (or even steps).
You know I love golf, so think about it this way: The pros hit one golf shot at a time – each shot follows one after another. There is planning, certainly. And this planning affects the shot chosen. But once it is, everything else must be shut out, and the present shot becomes all important. Do you see how this applies to your job?
Get results where you are. Then look around to see what’s next. Your first job will be somewhat like learning to drive a car. You will have to concentrate very much on the mechanics at first. You won’t be looking at the view. As you become more proficient you can enjoy the experience of driving. But if you never master the mechanics, you will never become a masterful driver.
It is the same with a job. As you learn your way it becomes easier to do the job at hand and then experience the view of the terrain ahead. Also, you will be noticed as one who is capable and productive – a winning combination every time. Be cautious about talking about the next steps too early and too widely. If you get the reputation for always looking to get ahead it can be interpreted as selfish motivation, not participation in the progress of the business. It is hard to gather much support if you are viewed as only looking out for yourself.
Take each step seriously. And as the boy scouts are told, “Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.” Prepare by learning everything you can in each position for you will undoubtedly find that those lessons are well-integrated into the next rung on the ladder.
This week think about: 1) Who in my circle of influence needs to be reminded of these ideas? 2) How am I doing at focusing where I am? 3) What encourages me to make a strong, workable career plan?
Words of Wisdom: “Remember, this first job well done becomes your platform for the next step.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.” (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)