Discussion
I have tried rock climbing and it terrified me. This is partly due to fear but mostly because I did not know, hence, did not trust the person helping me climb. Rock climbing is one activity that requires a lot of skill, teamwork and trust. I read an article from an experienced climber who stated that the biggest mistake new climbers make is they will climb with anyone without first getting to know the skill level or willingness to help them be a successful climber. Climbers must work together to accomplish the goal of reaching the top of the cliff. Even the strongest climber needs their partner to catch them when the fall, encourage them, pull them up, and trust. But most importantly they need each other to accomplish their individual and team goals.
Unfortunately, we do not see life the same way, especially at work. Goals of success are often internally based and often team goals are secondary or a means to an end – our ambitions. We hear terms like, “it’s a dog eat dog world”, “cut-throat”, and the worst “stepping on people to get to the top”. Human nature and tendency are to put our own ambitions ahead of others. The reasons can be for recognition, pay, pride, promotion, etc. Paul in his letter to the Philippians speaks directly to the human nature of selfish ambition when he wrote, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV).
I want to bring out an important point Paul makes in the latter part of these verses; he does not tell us to not have your own interest or goals but to look at others as well. This is an important point, because often we have mutual interests and each individual's goals align. While this discuss is about the workplace, this truth extends to relationships, marriages, and life. From Paul we understand we should have goals and interests; however, it comes with a warning. Do NOTHING with selfish ambition. The practical application of this statement is really difficult because it requires a self-analysis, which can be uncomfortable. Ask yourself, “What is my motivation for this goal?” Is it to gain fame, recognition, or worse yet, to make others look bad? If this is the case, step back and re-evaluated your goal and/or your motive. If after this evaluation, the motive remains selfish, perhaps you should drop the goal, or if not practical, pray the Lord will change your heart.
I love how Paul does not stop with selfish ambition but ties in the word conceit. In his writing, Paul uses is the Greek word kenodoxos. The root of this word has two parts, kenós meaning empty and dóksa meaning glory. Wow empty-glory, now that is powerful. That really brings to light that Paul is telling us that when we put our self-interests first, we are seeking empty glory.
The good news is Paul does not leave us with only what we ought not do but how to apply this to overcome our selfishness and humbly see other more significant than yourself. This is not easy, because it is our nature to be, “me, me, and more me!” The comedian Brian Regan, has a funny, but telling bit regarding the “me monster”. He jokes about being at a party and we all know that guy who dominates the conversation with “me, me, I” and is always looking to be the center of attention, better than others, and have a better story. He as a point, no one wants to be around that person! We need to humbly look at other’s needs, interests and goals and see them more significant than our own. Again, not easy, but when achieved, a team will be in better harmony and able to achieve great things.
Application
Leading people this way works! I have seen this in my own career. You will be more successful, and honestly happier, in not only your workplace but in life. While there may be many ways to apply this Biblical principle, here is what I found works for me. First, I cannot say enough about prayer in all aspects of life. I prayerfully write out my goals I want to accomplish, because even Paul tells us to have interests or goals. As a leader, the team needs to know the goals which are relevant to the team, although some personal and team goals may coincide. I then ask each team member to write out their goals, without placing limitations. Their goals may be for the team, promotions, pay, family, etc. Then the hard work starts; I sit down with them individually to discuss their goals. A word of caution, this is their time to share goals, not yours. Your entire discussion should be on how to help them realize their goals, not how their goals align, or don’t align with yours. Knowing their goals helps you to provide them opportunities to achieve success. It could be through leadership development, education, mentorship, or other work-related opportunities.
The key is to truly want to know their goals and want to assist them, not a leadership checkbox (they will feel and know the difference). When we humbly listen to others goals, they see it and react. Your team will work hard to achieve the team’s goals because you care more about their ambitions then your own or the team’s. And like magic, but not really because it is Biblical, I discovered that when I applied this principle my personal goals, other’s goals, and the team’s goals were achieve.
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