For those of you who read my blog on MyCorps.org, please forgive the duplication, but I felt the message was important enough that I wanted to put it hear as well.   Besides, I referenced my work on this earlier this month.
 
One of the seven habits Stephen Covey talks about in his best-selling book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is "Be Loyal to Those Absent."  This is a VERY difficult task for me, and it is far from a 'habit'.

This comes to mind right now as my office is in a state of flux—some real, some not-so-real.  To some degree, this is not unfamiliar territory—we understand that (for the most part) twice a year an announcement will be made, proclaiming those who are "under farewell orders".  This means that everyone knows that their boss is only their boss for a short time—in all likelihood, we will stay and they will go.   This is an interesting dynamic for those new to our organization.

One result—of the many good and bad—is the ability of those of us staying behind to "take advantage" of the change.   This has been a simple and silly—such as no longer using lids on our cups when we walk from the break room.   Other times it has been as serious as advancing controversial topics with personal gain in mind.  And an enormous range of things in-between.

It is said that 'confession is good for the soul,' so I should note that I have been guilty of 'working the system' from time-to-time.   I will also say that I was wrong in doing so.  Whether the simple and sublime, the serious and self-interested, or somewhere in-between; it is a mistake and lacks a Christ-centered view.

Throughout the Scriptures—Old and New Testament—there is proof that this behavior is not "of God."   From the more obscure verses like:  "Render unto Ceaser…" to the more relevant: "do it all for the glory of God"...and numerous others.

Another thing that happens, almost like clockwork, is laziness.  This happens on both sides, but I am only going to address those of us who are staying behind.   Almost without exception, when one of our leaders is on his/her way out-the-door, things slow down and/or stop.

But also, some people start letting other things slip as well—like their appearance, the professionalism of their work, timeliness (both of person and work), and any number of small things.  It often becomes a prolonged "While the cat's away the mice will play." situation.

This has always bothered me—even as I was participating or perpetuating the phenomena. 

I'm not here to point a finger—if I did there would be three pointing back to me.  I don't even have this fantastic, motivational answer to keep us (or me) from slipping into this malaise.

I just wanted to use this post to make certain I point out the issue and put myself on notice.   It has got to stop…

God called me to be His all the time, not just when my boss (or anyone else) was watching.