As I finish this series, I want to make it clear that dealing with an abusive or critical boss is not easy, and I don’t want to give the impression that it is. However, the more difficult the problem the fewer people who will be able to solve it. And, for the people who solve the problem of the horrible boss, there is a reward.
The reward of the inheritance: Kingdom territory
Because solving the problem of the horrible boss is difficult, there are fewer people who can be promoted past it. This presents an opportunity for Christians who should be better equipped for solving the problem of the horrible boss.
As one of my mentors taught me long ago, power is surrounded by problems. Those who successfully solve problems are given more responsibility. Jesus said this is the way of the Kingdom. See Matthew 25:14-15; 28-29.
The problem of the horrible boss is a difficult one to solve. Not everyone is equipped to do so. However, as I hope this series has shown, Christians have access to the wisdom, inspiration, and empowerment to do so. Moreover, when they do, there is a reward.
The Apostle Paul describes the reward:
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.
Colossians 3:23-24a (NASB)
Paul says the reward for doing our work wholeheartedly for the Lord is “the inheritance.” It’s easy to equate the inheritance with heaven, but it is far more than that, and, in this instance, probably not even primarily that. The Greek word translated here as “inheritance” is “Kleronomias,” which means the transfer of land or possessions from a deceased person.
The Greek word used here for “inheritance” is “Kleronomias,” which means the transfer of land or possessions from a deceased person.
The deceased (and resurrected) Person from whom we inherit is Jesus. Jesus explained that what He left for us to steward when He went away to the Father were people, places, and things. See Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30; Parable of Money Usage, Luke 19:12-27, Parable of the Householder, Matthew 24:45-51. When people, places, and things come under the good management of King Jesus through His followers, that corner of the planet becomes Kingdom territory.
Thus when Paul says the reward is the inheritance, he is saying we are inheriting the Kingdom, and that includes Kingdom territory on the earth. The Kingdom of God consists of earthly and spiritual “territory”. See Matthew 28:18.
Paul
Paul’s references to the Christian’s inheritance in his other letters are further evidence he referencing the kingdom of God in Colossians 3:24. See e.g., I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Corinthians 15:50; Galatians 5:21. In short, doing our work successfully leads to more responsibility over people, places, and things. Thus, doing our work successfully includes successfully navigating the horrible boss.
The blessing of continuity
As mentioned in the 3rd post in this series, many respond to the problem of the horrible boss by pulling the rip cord. They either resign or seek a severance. While this might create a temporary respite from the stress of dealing with a horrible boss, it can be a career delayer or career killer.
It means looking for another job and starting anew somewhere else. That break will need to explained to the next employer, and even if your potential employer believes you left because of a horrible boss, they will also know you were unable to solve the problem of the horrible boss.
Additionally, quitting usually means starting over somewhere else at a lower position and lower pay. Thus, failing to solve the problem of the horrible boss often leads to a self-imposed demotion. Promotion is often reserved for those who solve the problem of the horrible boss.
Promotion is often reserved for those who solve the problem of the horrible boss.
And, as mentioned earlier in this series, the problem is that horrible bosses are everywhere. Every company has one. Your chances of getting through a career without running into one is slim.
Therefore, those who solve the problem of the horrible boss help ensure continuity in their career path. If they leave their job, it’s not because they’ve failed to successfully navigate the problem of the horrible boss. Instead, they leave on their terms for a position with more responsibility or potential for more responsibility.
I love Psalm 37 because it captures the blessing of continuity and the curse of discontinuity. Psalm 37 says it is evildoers who will be “cut off” (suffer discontinuity). See Psalm 37: 1-2, 9-10, 15, 17, 20. “But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” Psalm 37:11. The Bible tells believers to “Wait for the Lord and keep His way” because “He will exalt you to inherit the land.” Psalm 37:34. The road of continuity is paved with patience and leads to the inheritance.
The road of continuity is paved with patience and leads to the inheritance.
Continuity is a characteristic of the career that is up and to the right. It is what I have seen in the careers of the many highly competent executives I have represented over the years. They are promoted to the top spots in companies because they did not allow their careers to be delayed or derailed by horrible bosses. They proved themselves adept in dealing with all types of personalities, even difficult ones. When they did leave their job, it was on their own terms and usually for a better opportunity with more responsibility somewhere else.
In short, the horrible boss is a horrible problem but a wonderful opportunity, and it’s an opportunity King Jesus has equipped His followers to solve. When they do solve the problem there is a reward that advances the Kingdom and glorifies the King. GS
