High Roader
There have been many times as a leader that people on my team or within the company have treated me badly. It is really an unavoidable fact that this will happen.
When treated badly I tend to take things personally and want to react immediately. I call this my blow fish mentality – I puff up, get mad and get very verbal.
Thankfully, in these situations my leader and boss says, “let’s slow down and look at this situation.” He would ask me, do you think they did this intentionally? We would talk through it, I would calm down, and then a decision had to be made…
How was I going to respond to this bad treatment?
Do I treat the person who treated me badly worse than they treated me? This is described as the low road.
Do I treat the person the same as they treated me? This is described as the middle road.
Or do I treat the person better than they treated me? This is described as the high road.
My boss taught me to always take the high road as a leader even when someone treats you badly either intentionally or unintentionally. This did not come easy for me but I listened to his influence and advice and strived to become a high roader.
We all have days when we mess up at work. We have to remember that we are all humans created by God in His image trying to do life. As Christian women rooted in our faith we must try to extend grace and forgiveness to others when they mess up. When we lead this way your team will notice and the example is being set. Grace and forgiveness will be extended back. People do what their leaders do!
We don’t just automatically take the high road, it is a choice! This road is not the easy road and is pretty much uphill most of the time, so it can be a stressful climb. But…it is the road that leads to the highest level of leadership and living, always keeping God in mind. What an incredible way to lead!
So today at work when people are illogical and self centered. Love them anyway.
When people need your help even though you have taught, coached, and explained it several times. Help them anyway and with a smile.
Be honest and frank even though it makes you vulnerable – people follow genuine leaders.
When someone argues with your point, listen. We don’t alway need to be right.
Fight for the trouble maker, let them know you care. Don’t give up on them, they need your love.
When someone talks badly about you and you know it, continue to give them the best you have and display a servant’s attitude.
We must take the high road because it is the best option, even though it is the hardest. Don’t be a victim at work but be victorious as a high roader! Treat others better than they treat you! Your character will reflect the grace and forgiveness you flow.
A high roader is the type of leader I strive to be on a daily basis. How about you?
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook offense.” Proverbs 19:11
Stay Rooted,
Lisa
