I have been in many different companies and organizations. Some have been small companies of just a few employees and others have had 50K employees. They've all had one thing in common. There is always a vision in the organization. Those who don't, tend to be persuaded by popularity or money. But those who have a vision never loose focus on where they are going. Every leader I know promotes people who support the vision of organization. They may disagree on how to do it, but they stay on the same direction of the vision. So, from a leader's perspective, they want to raise people, but they also want to have people on their team that support the vision. True leaders do not enslave people, but rather raise them in order to accomplish the vision together. So, if the vision is big enough, it will require more then a generation to fulfill it.
But what about the servant or employee point of view? That's very good question. There is a trend I have noticed in many organizations. People tend to start serving someone's vision but end up leaving for the wrong reason. I hope in the posting I will address some of the reasons on why people abandon the people they serve, and how to avoid this mistake. Now I don't know all the answers, but looking back to my experience, I have come to learn some things that have allowed me to stay faithful to the people I am serving.
Here are some questions that all of us have asked ourselves.
- "They don't care about me. Do they see how hard I am working ? Don't they know I am going through the most difficult thing in my life?
These questions always hit home. And, for the most part, these questions are valid and the pain is very real. This is where we cannot allow our personal pain to interfere with our view of leaders. If you allow that then everything we say might be in disagreement with them. It's OK to disagree with leaders, but if your disagreement becomes personal, then you will end up attacking the leader personally. One of my favorite characters in the bible is Joshua. One of his greatest strength was servanthood. Joshua was in the circumstances with everyone. He grew up in slavery for all of his life. He went through the desert just like everyone else. No matter what the circumstances or what his point of view was, he always followed his leader, Moses, and he stayed faithful to the promises of God.
How do we stay faithful when we are going through circumstances? First, communicate to your leader about what you are going through. This way he will understand what you're going through. Many people I know have left organizations and the leaders never knew why. Leaders may not resolve the situation, but they will at least start making decisions that will allow you to heal and grow faster. Give them some time for this because you're not the only one that is going through the pain. In fact, leaders usually have to deal with other people's personal issues. If we knew some of the responsability that our leaders carry, we would be a lot more patient.
- "I am finding out who I am and where I want to go, but there's no place for me here."
I like this statement because you are growing in knowing your identity and are looking for ways to go deeper. Much like that last point, it is important to communicate to your leader about what you are going through. Two things usually happen here:
1 - Your leader finds a talent that he has needed for a while and gives a you new role in the organization. Most organizations do not want to hire outside the company because they have to build relationships all over again. So if they can use someone internally, it helps them and at the same time , it allows you to grow into something you want to do. The key is relationship! And the best relationship you can have with a leader is sonship. However the role may not be ready immeidatiely, or the mail not disclose to you because of many reasons. It could be they dont have the funding or it could be that they are waiting for you to mature in some are areas in work.
3- If there's no place for you at the organization, then it could be the start of a transition for you. If it is, then that's great because you are growing into something bigger than you can handle. And if you are in this place you want to transition as a son. As a son you can be sent out instead of you leaving without a blessing. Most people who are "sent", are sent with a recommendation for the other organization. However, people who "leave", burn bridges.
- How can I serve someone if I don't agree with their values?
You can serve and honor someone and still not agree with them. If we were to serve only with people that we agreed with, then you could not work anywhere. Eventually you will be under someone that has different core values than you. If you position yourself as a son in every situation, you will influence your leaders in a way in which they can value your opinion even if your core values do not align.
- "My vision is not aligning up with that of the organization"
If your vision does not line up with the organization's vision, then it could be that it's time for you to leave. But you want to be sent. It is possible for you to be sent to fulfill your purpose even if your vision does not line up. Communicate it your leader because I have found your leader has other pierce from other organizations that could help you. They may setup a meeting for you so you can transition well. If no opportunity opens up, do not rush it! Everything should be done out of relationship. Forcing things can wiil put you in a position pleese people instead of serving people.
On a note if you do "leave" an organization, dont speak against them. Even if you had the worst experience in you life, you dont want to say anything to theres about it. Most leaders know each other especially if they are in the same industry. They get together at conferences and golf courses, to discuss strategy. You dont want to hear your name in a negative way.
Ultimately the best way to serve someone, is to stay as son. Whey you position your self as a son, you will always server the best way you can. Even if you leader does not take you in under his wing, he/she will feel the support you give them. Also your leader will value more then just a servant. When you value someone, you will notice their needs and grow until the serve someone else vision. No matter where you go you will serve someones vision. If you leave to start something on your own, you will ways serve someone. Even the president of the united states role is to serve the people. Stay has a son and serve someone else vision, and others will serve your vision.
From moment your born God gave you a vision for you to full fill but at the same time you were born under your parents leadership.
