December 14, 2021
The other day I read something that I can’t stop thinking about.
Tony Evans wrote in his book, Kingdom Woman: “He (God) doesn’t just want to hear from us when we have huge problems. He wants to hear all of our concerns and praises, big and small. If you only relate to God in the large issues of life, you make Him a 911 emergency problem solver, and you will only occasionally relate to Him.”
It made me think about the many times when I’ve been in panic mode and asked for he
lp, pleading for an outcome I want to happen right away or help for a friend or loved one facing challenges. I admit I’ve used God as a 911 emergency hotline for help quickly, and I probably will again.
Recently, however, I’ve learned how rich it is to rely on Him as my 411—information hotline—as well. I’ve learned to praise Him for all that is going right, for gas in my tank, food in my cabinets, healthy legs to get out of bed, and a dry roof over my head. I’ve remembered to thank Him for a great day, another day, and to thank Him for meeting my needs.
That has evolved into asking Him for direction in my life and then listening for the gentle nudge or to notice the doors that are open for me to act on or sit and wait patiently for the right time.
I then began to think of how this relates to work. Many managers are 911 managers. Employees sometimes only want to go to their manager when there’s a crisis, or the manager only talks to an employee when they’ve done something wrong, and it has cost them money to fix.
What if employees and managers were a 411-information hotline instead? Here are some advantages to keeping the communication lines open to get the information needed to make sound decisions and avoid possible pitfalls that result in an emergency call to extinguish.
- Set up regular 1:1 meetings with your boss or employees. Consistency is key. This frequent touch-base session helps you both have a clear understanding of what’s going on and what support is needed.
- Ask open-ended questions. Stay curious to understand the other person. In doing so, you will not be tempted to “assume” someone is being vindictive, lazy, or whatever else your mind conjures up.
- Pause before you respond to a difference of opinion. Determine if what you want to say is helpful, or just something to make yourself feel better. The need to be right is most likely the wrong approach.
In times that seem hectic, you may be tempted to hit the panic button and want an emergency to be resolved, yet when you make the effort to ask for guidance, show gratitude for what you have and what is going right, then your problems may feel a little less daunting.
As we enter this Holy season, my hope is that you have fewer 911 moments and more 411 moments to enrich your life.
Blessings to you and your loved ones,
Tina Asher
Business/Career Coach • Trainer • Author
Build U Up Consulting