Or one will be chosen for you.
ADAGE
Choose a Side
———-
RESPONSE
Whenever you organize a group of people to accomplish an activity, there will be interpersonal politics. It is a necessary and useful part of any group activity. But too much political overhead saps an organization of its strength. Beware especially of conflicts surrounding politically correct but operationally naive initiatives. These debates will divide your employees and create significant friction. Better to extinguish it immediately and forcefully than to allow the issue to fester. Terminate troublemakers and be prepared to fight them in court. Better the fight take place off premises. We are at a point in time where Christian business leaders need to come forward and publicly declare their faith. Silence creates a vacuum that the evil one loves to inhabit. If you don’t pick a side, one will be chosen for you. Do what you can to keep the main thing, the main thing. Employees will never care as much as the owner, so keeping people caring about the important is constant work. While politics is distracting and divisive, it’s a necessary evil; participate wisely but seldomly.
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Romans 13:1 (KJV) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
QUESTIONS
How do the Scripture(s) apply to the business adage?
Your lawyer advises you that you can’t terminate certain classes of employees for creating a toxic environment without being sued. If you don’t fire them, your company culture remains toxic, and your good employees flee. What do you do?
A good friend running for State Senator wants you to host a campaign event. He’s conservative, Christian, and a fellow you trust. However, several union workers in your company have indicated that they will retaliate unless you invite his Democrat rival, who is a pro-abortion advocate. What do you do?
Discuss how Romans 13 applies to today’s political environment.
DOWNLOAD
Download the free PDF worksheet for this adage, print it, and use it in your meeting, conference, or group.
