Q: I am involved in a managerial position which requires that I evaluate employees. I struggle to balance a Christian perspective of love, compassion, and forgiveness with the need to help my workers examine their weaknesses and either make changes or face termination. How can I hold up the standards of my profession while acting in a Christian manner? A: Your question involves what at first appears to be a clash of two moral injunctives: On the one hand, we know that as Christians we ought to hold a high standard in all arenas of life. Yet we believe in a gospel which admonishes us to accept erring human beings with grace and mercy. How can these two moral absolutes be reconciled in the world of work? If I show mercy to an inept employee, what are the ramifications of my graciousness? Unchecked, a careless nurse might administer a wrong medication, an insensitive teacher might damage a small child, a hasty clerk might cost a company significant dollars. It is the moral obligation of every manager to maintain the integrity of his/her profession. But how do we that while preserving the dignity of the individuals that make up the work force? I believe we find the purest example in the life of Christ. While on this earth, He effected powerful changes in human lives. Yet he accomplished this while extending the utmost respect and tenderness towards less-than-perfect people. How did he do it? He began by viewing each individual he encountered not in their present, fault-ridden state, but as they might be, transfigured by His own grace and power. He saw arrogant, Christian-persecuting Peter as a powerful leader for His cause; he looked at Mary Magdalene as a godly, sincere woman. As these individuals felt affirmed, they grew into the role. In working with individuals in the work place, we can use the same basic method. In the weakest employee, find some point to enthusiastically acknowledge, some positive element which you can use to build a platform of respect. As you consider ways to address the areas in which growth is needed, think about whether you have ever seen any indication that the employee has displayed even a small amount of insight. Take that mustard seed and use it to begin building a positive perception that the employee will strive to fulfill. Continue to affirm every halting attempt, every accidental foray into constructive job performance. A recent model that has been introduced into the arena of performance assessment provides a metaphor which I find to be consistent with Christian ideals. The model suggests that we move away from an evaluative paradigm to a coaching perspective. I like that model. If I am your critic, I am actively looking for ways to weigh you in the balances and find you wanting. On the other hand, if I am your coach, I'm in your corner; I want you to win. I find it interesting that both models begin with the same goal in mind—improvement of performance. But the coaching model suggests a whole different perspective for achieving that goal which is rooted in a shared vision. Sports players know that their coach may exact a great deal of effort and work from them. But that is premised under the assumption that the coach is there to help because they already believe in them. The coach may perform some evaluative work, but the assessment is not an end in itself. Both player and coach are focused on something far more powerful—the image of what the player can become! All critiquing is given within a supportive and constructive context which provides scaffolding for taking the next step. There's your Christian model! "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). I believe that as you enter the ring with your employees, as you build on their strengths, hold out the vision, trust, hope, and persevere, you will find that your two Biblical injunctives are no longer polar opposites. Individuals created in the image of God will begin to sense their own worth and dignity. As they do, your company will move towards the high standard you so long to reach. Sandra Doran, Ed.D., is an associate superintendent of education for the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She posts her monthly columns on her web site. Read them on-line at www.tagnet.org/powerlines.

Sandra Finley Doran, Ed.D. 2028 Bluff Oak St. Apopka, FL 32712-3945 (407) 889-5524 email powerlines@juno.com

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