當你成為辦公室中最資深的人
By Rick Boxx
當你成為辦公室中最資深的人
不久之前，一個商界的領導人Kevin提到，他發現自己變成辦公室中最資深的人了，他需要一點時間來調適。Kevin變成那些長輩之一，就像他以前很尊敬自己的長輩一樣，他知道後輩會希望從他那裏得到一些引導。他承認，這個事實讓他受寵若驚也膽戰心驚。
就像新人運動員參加一個專業的團隊訓練，年復一年，有一天發現他發現自己變成老手，其他年輕的運動員尊敬他、期待他的帶領和經驗。另一方面，也因為身為的一個有年紀的老人而感到不安。
對在職場工作多年的我們而言，不安全感會使我們懷疑自己能夠有多少貢獻？即便我們已經很有成就也具備豐富的經驗了。年輕人通常會表現出充沛的熱情、活力、很多新鮮和創新的想法。但是當我們在個人和專業上很成熟，神也會希望我們把自己的聲音以及看見，用謙卑的方式轉化成對團體裡年輕領袖有用的引導。
有些社會似乎希望交棒給因年輕而崛起的領袖，認為他們屬於未來。但是我們如果不使用年長領袖們從過去成功經驗中得到的集體的智慧那就大錯特錯了。聖經也多次提到這件事的重要性：
設立正面的典範。年輕人需要強健而且持續的典範，示範在職場上適當的行為、原則和價值觀。他們看到和學到的能夠幫助他們的職場生涯。「又勸少年人要謹守。你自己凡事要顯出善行的榜樣；在教訓上要正直、端莊，言語純全，無可指責，叫那反對的人，既無處可說我們的不是，便自覺羞愧。」 (提多書2章6-8節)
傳承我們所學和經歷過的。生活和工作提供我們強而有力的知識和經驗的儲藏室。我們可以把自己當成是管家，殷切期盼把這些知識和經驗分享和傳遞給年輕的下一代。「你們在我身上所學習的，所領受的，所聽見的，所看見的，這些事你們都要去行，賜平安的上帝就必與你們同在。」 (腓立比書4章9節)
建立永恆的遺產。在專業以及私人領域裡，我們的遺產，都是經由訓練裝備的，預備我們有一天能在工作上及其他追求有意義事物上面成功。「你在許多見證人面前聽見我所教訓的，也要交託那忠心能教導別人的人」。(提摩太後書2章2節)
在職場、家庭和社群當中，年齡越增長與靈命越成熟，所要負擔的責任越大。在交棒給下一代的人之前，我們應該要讓成為一個典範、鼓勵者，在工作上引導接棒人，幫助他們邁向成功。
本文版權為正直資源中心（Integrity Resource Center, Inc.）所有。本文獲得授權改編自瑞克．博克思的正直時刻Integrity Moments with Rich Boxx」。這系列的文章是以一個基督徒的觀點評論職場的正直議題。
省思／討論題目
在你工作的職場上，你是年長的一輩、年輕的一輩或者在中間的人？如果你是比較年長的，你覺得自己有甚麼可以和人分享的經驗? 如果你是比較年輕的成員，你會希望有經驗的前輩能給你們甚麼方面的建議? 你覺得突然之間意識到自己是工作職場上最年長的或是年長者其中之一，會造成你的不安嗎? 資深的人員要如何克服自己在與年輕的成員互動時所產生的不安全感? 文章中聖經的經文，哪一部分對你來說最有意義?為什麼?建立典範、傳承知識和經驗是很重要的嗎?分享你的答案。
註: 如果你手上有聖經，希望知道更多與這個主題相關的經文，請參考：哥林多前書4章16-17節；哥林多後書3章5節；腓立比書3章17節；提摩太前書1章18-19節；提摩太後書1章13-14節
WHEN YOU ARE THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE ROOM
Rick Boxx
Not long ago a business leader, Kevin, mentioned he has found himself adjusting to the fact that he is often the oldest man in the room. Just as he used to look up to his elders, Kevin said he has now become one of those “elders,” and others are looking up to him for guidance. This reality, he admitted, can be both flattering and daunting.
It is like an athlete joining a professional sports team as a rookie, competing year after year, and one day becoming aware that he or she has become the seasoned pro, the person younger players look up to for leadership and experience. There is the sense of accomplishment that comes with longevity, but also the humbling sense of being the “wise old veteran” expected to set the pace and show the way.
For those of us who have been in the workplace for many years, insecurities can cause us to doubt we have much to offer, despite achievements and accumulated experience. Younger people typically display much enthusiasm and energy, along with fresh, innovative ideas. However, as we mature both personally and professionally, God may want us to embrace these times when our voices and perspectives, offered with humility, become useful for guiding the younger leaders in our organizations.
Some societies seem to defer to young, emerging leaders, recognizing they represent the future. And yet, we all would be in error if we failed to utilize the collective wisdom and expertise of older leaders who can draw from proven track records of performance and success. The Bible addresses this in many ways:
Setting positive examples. Younger people need strong, consistent models of proper behavior, principles and values to use in the workplace. What they observe and learn will help in shaping how they approach their own careers. “Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:6-8).
Passing on what we have learned and experienced. Life and work provide us with a rich storehouse of knowledge and experiences. We should consider ourselves stewards of these, being eager to share and pass them along to younger team members. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).
Establishing an enduring legacy. Part of our legacy, both professionally and personally, is established through the training, equipping and preparing of those that one day will succeed us in our jobs and other meaningful pursuits. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of man witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
With age and maturity – in the workplace, our homes and communities – comes added responsibility. Before “turning over the keys” to newer colleagues and associates, we should plan to serve as examples and encouragers, guiding them in sound business practices and pointing them toward their own success.
Copyright 2017, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from "Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx," a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center , visitwww.integrityresource.org. His new book, Unconventional Business, provides “Five Keys to Growing a Business God”s Way.”
Reflection/Discussion Questions
Where do you rank among those you work with – are you one of the senior staff members, one of the younger ones, or somewhere in between? If you are one of the older ones, what do you think should be expected of you, drawing from your experience? If you are a newer team member, what would you like to receive from those having greater knowledge and expertise? Why do you think suddenly realizing that you are the oldest – or one of the older – members of the workplace team can be unsettling for some people? How can an older, more seasoned worker overcome a sense of insecurity in interacting with younger members of the team? Which of the biblical principles cited seems most meaningful to you – and why? Is it the importance of setting an example, passing along what you have learned, or establishing a strong legacy? Explain your answer.
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages: 1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 2 Timothy 1:13-14
