Lesson 12
I. Introduction.
For this lesson and for many of the lessons that follow, we are
going to look at how we can reduce stress and enhance joy at work.
II. Dare to be Happy
Many people don't allow themselves the luxury of being enthusiastic,
light hearted, inspired, relaxed, or happy--especially at work.
It seems that a great number of people are frightened at what
a happy demeanor would look like to other people, including co-workers,
clients, and employers. After all, they assume, "Someone
who is relaxed (or happy) must not be a hard worker." The
logic goes that: If they looked happy, others might assume they
were satisfied with the status quo and therefore lacking the necessary
motivation to excel in a competitive environment. Many people
even believe that if you are too happy you will loose your edge.
In reality, it's the other way around. It's nonsense to believe that a relaxed, happy person necessarily lacks motivation. On the contrary, happy people are almost always the ones who love what they are doing. It's been shown again and again that people who love what they do are highly motivated by their own enthusiasm to continually better themselves and their performance. They are good listeners and have a sharp learning curve. In addition, happy workers are highly creative, easy to be around, and good team players. Genesis 39-41, tells us of the rise, fall and rise again of Joseph in terms of power in Egypt. One thing that is a common thread throughout Joseph's life, is that he was a good worker, who went about his business with a great attitude, no matter what the circumstances were. In the end, his reward for a job well done and happily done, was to be put over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:41
Unhappy people, on the other hand, are often held back by their own misery or stress, which distracts them from success. Rigid, stressed-out people are a drag to be around and difficult to work with. They are the ones who lack motivation be cause they are so consumed with their own problems, lack of time, and stress. Unhappy people often feel victimized by others and their working conditions. It's difficult for them to be solution-oriented because everything is seen as someone else's fault. In addition, they are usually poor team players because they are often self-centered and preoccupied with their own issues. How effective do you think Joseph would have been if he had blamed everyone else for his situation, and let the hate that would result control him? It's okay to be happy, kind, relaxed, patient and forgiving in the work place. You will feel more inspired, creative, and driven to make an even greater contribution than you do right now. You'll see solutions and opportunities where others see problems. You won't be so discouraged by setbacks or failures: you'll bounce back quickly and resiliently.
If you dare to be happy, your life will begin to change immediately.
Your life and your work will take on greater significance, and
you will be a better Christian example to your employer, coworkers,
and customers.
III. Remember to Acknowledge
Most people love and appreciate being acknowledged. On the flip
side, most people either resent, or at least feel slighted by
not being acknowledged.
You can acknowledge others in many ways. When someone calls you, acknowledge the call. When they send you something remember to say thank you.. or take the time to write a note. When someone does a good job, say so. When they apologize, acknowledge that too. It's especially important to acknowledge acts of kindness--doing so reinforces that act and encourages more of the same. We all benefit.
Almost everyone loves to be acknowledged. We love to have our
phone calls returned, to be told we are doing a great job, to
be thanked for working so hard, to have our creativity appreciated,
to be reminded that we are special. Philippians 1:3-7, Rom. 16:1-16.
Approximately 50 people reported to a man who ran a large department
in an insurance company. He was in the habit of taking everyone
for granted. His words were, "My philosophy used to be that
people were lucky to have a job. I felt that if someone was doing
a good job, their reward was one more paycheck." With some
encouragement to become more loving, generous, and expand his
definition of acknowledgement, his whole attitude changed. As
he looked back, he could hardly believe how he used to behave.
People that worked for him were frightened and insecure and didn't
feel appreciated. By his acknowledging people, they have become
happier, less defensive and more loyal than before.
We should acknowledge people, not simply to get something in return,
but because it's the right thing to do. When I took the Oak Park
Middle School Jazz Band to New York last fall, one of the things
that we made it a point of doing was to acknowledge all the people
who had contributed to our trip. We did this by purchasing postcards
and having the students hand write a thank you on the back. I
must have had 5 or 6 individuals and groups say to me later that
of all the money and support that they had given school groups,
ours was the only one to acknowledge their help. The result has
been more money contributed to the group, and more opportunities
for success for us. People remember acknowledgement and they appreciate
it.
We, as Christians, are to be known as a kind, loving, concerned,
forgiving people. We can accomplish this goal by trying to remember
to acknowledge the good in other people.
Happy Verses: Psalms 67, 85.