認識你羊群的重要性

然而，這些屬下有許多人也被詢問，調查顯示他們對工作與生活之平衡的興趣比執行長所以為的高兩倍。

根據這調查所發現的不一致，顯然這些領袖要花些功夫去更了解員工的需要與希望。

在聖經新約中，耶穌談到領袖與他們的跟隨者有堅強、成長之關係的重要性。在約翰福音10章14節，耶穌用畜牧業來說明：「我是好牧人；我認識我的羊，我的羊也認識我」。

從個人的觀察，耶穌了解若沒有牧人的警戒和照顧，任性且無助的羊隻會有何慘況。耶穌非常了解祂的羊群，而且知道他們也需要認識祂。把這原則應用到職場，我們花時間和精力去認識我們所管理的員工，以及他們來更認識我們，兩者同樣重要。

我知道許多執行長和高級主管每天都撥出幾分鐘去員工工作的場所，去認識他們，詢問他們的家庭狀況，看看他們過得如何，不但在個人生活上，也包括工作上。

在聖經舊約中的另一處經文也提到照顧羊群的比喻。這些經文給我們另一個好理由去努力了解為我們工作的人：

「你要詳細知道你羊群的景況，留心料理你的牛群；因為資財不能永有，冠冕豈能存到萬代？乾草割去，嫩草發現，山上的菜蔬也被收斂。羊羔之毛是為你作衣服；山羊是為作田地的價值，並有母山羊奶夠你吃，也夠你的家眷吃，且夠養你的婢女」（箴言27章23-27節）。

知道「你羊群的景況」──你負責牧養的人──將幫助你確保他們盡最大的生產力，他們的工作表現優良，而且他們在你的雇用下感到知足。

所以若你擔任管理的角色，花時間去認識並了解你的部屬是明智的。提出問題、傾聽，並提供他們機會也來認識你。當面對許多急迫的最後期限和細節要求，這舉動似乎不方便且煩人，但你所投資的時間和關心將帶來極大的利益。

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。想要更多了解正直資源中心或想要收到電子文件的「瑞克每天的正直時刻Rick”s daily Integrity Moments」系列文章，請上網www.integrityresource.org。他的書「如何生意興隆而不犧牲正直」提供人們正直地作生意的方法。

However, many of the subordinates also were questioned, and the research revealed their interest in work-life balance actually was more than twice the level the CEOs expected.

Based on the disparity of the survey”s findings, it appears these leaders have some work to do in gaining a better understanding of the needs and wants of the people that work for them.

In the Bible”s New Testament, Jesus commented on the importance of leaders having a strong, growing relationship with their followers. Drawing a comparison to the world of agriculture, Jesus stated in John 10:14, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."

From personal observation, Jesus understood how wayward and helpless sheep can be without the vigilant care of their shepherds. Jesus knew His flock well, and knew that they needed to know Him also. Applying that principle to the workplace, it seems equally important for us to devote the time and energy necessary to know the men and women under our supervision – and for them to get to know us better.

I have known of numerous instances in which CEOs and top executives would set aside a few minutes each day and stop by the workplaces of various employees, getting to know them, inquiring about their families, and seeking to determine how they doing, both personally and professionally.

Another passage from the Bible, in the Old Testament, provides another analogy to caring for sheep. These verses give another good reason for being diligent to gain a good understanding of the people working for us in our organizations:

“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats” milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants” (Proverbs 27:23-27).

Knowing the “condition of your flocks” – the people you are responsible for shepherding – will help to ensure they are as productive as possible, that they perform their respective jobs well, and that they will remain content in your employ.

So if you are in a management role, you would be very wise to take the time you need to know and understand your people. Ask questions, listen, and offer them the opportunity get to know you as well. When faced with many pressing deadlines and details, this might seem inconvenient or bothersome, but the dividends gained from your personal investment of time and concern could be substantial.

Copyright 2012, 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 or to sign up for Rick”s daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org. His book, How to Prosper in Business Without Sacrificing Integrity, gives a biblical approach for doing business with integrity.