追求報酬

我們也追求其他種類的報酬。例如，我們努力建立與顧客、客戶、同事、供應商、有時甚至競爭者的關係，希望這些連結關係會提升我們事業的生產力和成功的報酬率。

我們在工作上投資很長的時間，努力證明我們身為員工、領袖和公司管理團隊的價值。我們希望這勞力和努力在專業升級、增加責任與權力、和更多收入上都得到回報。

還有一些「報酬」是無法用銷售報告、權力組織圖或薪資來計算。例如，致力於運動健身──透過健康的飲食和持續的運動──可以在個人健康上得到很好的回報，而且不僅是在身體上，還包括情緒、精神和社交上。

這些報酬大部份都是關心自我的利益。我們想要從投資得到合理的回報，不論投資的是金錢、時間、精力或才幹。然而我們的報酬是否可以是追求施予──而非獲得？

我們可以的，這就是為什麼耶穌教導我們：「施比受更為有福。」（使徒行傳20章35節）。以下是一些可以得到極大報酬的實際作法：

鼓勵的話語。我們處於一個被負面消息所環繞的年代，一點適當、肯定的話語能提振別人的情緒或志氣──那可以是讚美、恭維或感謝他人把工作做得好，或向他人保證困難的時刻不會延續到永遠。「口善應對，自覺喜樂； 話合其時，何等美好。」（箴言15章23節）。「良言如同蜂房， 使心覺甘甜，使骨得醫治。」（箴言16章24節）。

憐憫的禮物。當某人遭遇患難或痛苦，一句關心、安慰的話可以提供他所需要的力量與希望。「…叫我們能用神所賜的安慰去安慰那遭各樣患難的人」（哥林多後書1章4節）。

生命的導師。我們在生命道路上走得較遠的人，可以藉著成為他人的生命導師，將我們的智慧、經驗和洞見提供出來，透過生命教導我們的事去幫助別人。「鐵磨鐵，磨出刃來；朋友相感也是如此。」（箴言27章17節）。

援助的手。一個人似乎無法達成的工作，若與其他人致力於相同的目標就變得比較容易完成。「兩個人總比一個人好，因為二人勞碌同得美好的果效…三股合成的繩子不容易折斷」（傳道書4章9-12節）。

勞勃．泰默西是領袖資產協會的傳播部副部長，這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。他也是一個有40年經驗的退休新聞工作者。他寫過一本書「最佳狀態的商業：箴言給今日職場的歷久彌新智慧」（Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace）。他也與David A. Stoddard合著一本書「導師之心」（The Heart of Mentoring）。要了解更多資訊, 可上網www.leaderslegacy.com 或上他的部落格www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com以及www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com 。

We pursue other kinds of dividends as well. For instance, we strive to build beneficial relationships with customers, clients, colleagues, suppliers, sometimes even competitors, hoping these connections will pay “dividends” that enhance our business productivity and success.

We invest long hours on the job, dedicated to proving our value as employees, leaders, and members of the corporate team. Our hope is that this labor and devotion will pay dividends in terms of professional advancement, increased responsibility and authority, and greater compensation.

There are other kinds of “dividends” that cannot be calculated by a sales report, in an organizational chart or on a paycheck. For instance, dedication to physical fitness – through healthy eating and a consistent exercise program – can pay great dividends in terms of personal well-being, not only physically but also emotionally, mentally and socially.

All of these kinds of dividends, for the most part, are self-oriented. We want to get a reasonable return for our investments, whether they involve money, time, energy, or talent. But can we reap dividends from pursuits where the focus is to give – and not to get?

Yes we can, which is one reason Jesus taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Here are some practical ways for doing this that can pay great dividends:

Words of encouragement. In an age when we find ourselves surrounded by negativity, a few well-chosen, positive words can lift someone”s spirits – a compliment, words of praise or appreciation for work well done, assurance that the moment”s difficulties will not last forever. “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23). “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

Gift of compassion. When someone is confronted with adversity or pain, a caring, comforting word can provide needed strength and hope. “…so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

Availability as a mentor. Those of us that have traveled further down the road of life have wisdom, experience and insights that we can offer through mentoring relationships, helping others through what life has taught us. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

A helping hand. Work seemingly impossible for one person becomes much easier when others committed to the same goal share in performing it. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work…. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist, he has written Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.