Don’t let HR Issues go Unresolved
I remember the awkwardness.
Sitting there, hands clasped together, nervously awaiting the questions that would surely tear apart our workplace and possibly our church. As the office administrator for the church, I was in the firing line when it came to question time.
“How long has this issue been going on?”
“Had you noticed any unusual behaviour in the lead up?”
I had a really great boss. Committed. Heart in the right place. Striving to ensure that we would have a positive impact in our community. Together, with the few others in our team, we were experiencing a “revival” of sorts. Increased attendance. Enthusiastic volunteers. Hearts on fire for God.
But then we had a storm; a chaotic whirlwind of mental breakdowns, spiritual attack, lack of prayer. A supposedly objective group was called in to assess the siutation. The details of what went down will stay with those involved, but I learned valuable lessons:
Don’t be a conduit for gossip. Be the stopping point. Take personal responsibility to seek out the root of the gossip and deal with it. Prayerfully consider how you can bring peace to the undivided parties.
Consider if it’s your place to offer support or solutions. A stressed person will rarely take in advice, unless they are asking for it. Our superiors are human. They make mistakes. They experience hardship. Our heart as an employee should be to listen and learn from the leadership, regardless of performance. You can learn a lot from poor leadership. Be patient, and wait for opportunities to be a blessing. Regardless of your position, you are called to love, not judge.
Protect yourself. Speak the truth as you see it. Don’t cover for anyone. Be assertive. Acknowledge the failures with your head held high. You are not a victim, you will be seated with the Most High. You are more than conquerers. He has already won the battle. Live like you are victorious. You have been given a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. You have the armour. So stand tall and fight hard.
Unfortunately, there was a lot of hurt and fallout from this situation. Some I would say is still unresolved. But if you have an opportunity to be a peace-maker in your workplace, take responsibility and follow Holy Spirit’s leading. You are called. You are chosen. You will be the vessel through which God unveils the solution and reunites the divided.
