A Supervisor’s Christian Approach To A Worker Habitually Late

What would you do to a worker who came in to work late, regularly.

Fire him/her?

Sure.

That’s what 99.99% of Supervisors and Managers would do.

Not Rosa.

This happened when I was working as an Internal Consultant at Manufacturers Hanover Trust.  Which merged with Chemical Bank.  Which merged with The Chase Manhattan Bank.

The worker, who came to work late, regularly, was Diane M T-N.

Diane is one of these people who have a heart of gold.  Is a great worker.  Nay, excellent!  But, is not a morning person.

Rosa could have fired Diane. But, did not.

Instead, since Diane’s house was directly in her [Rosa’s] way to work in Water Street, downtown New York, she would park at
Diane’s apartment block, go up to her apartment.

And, then, the struggle began.

The struggle to wake up Diane.

To get her to shower and dress.

To bundle her into her [Rosa’s] car.

Put a cup of coffee in her [Diane’s] hand.

Get her to work.

Get her to her desk.

Rosa did for days and weeks and months.

Not every day, mind you.

[There were days when Diane managed to get to the Office under her own steam.

[Sometimes on time.  Sometimes a little late.]

But, often enough.

Why do you do this? I asked Rosa one day.

She’s my worker.  She’s like my Sister.  I care for her, Rosa replied.

[Ah! the good old days of good management.  This happened in the early 1980s.  When we looked upon each other at work as People, not instruments of labor – as we do today.] 

Would you do this much for your employees?

Don’t answer!  I know the answer.

Sadly, I doubt many Christian workers today – Christian employers, employees – would do as much.

Says a lot about America today.

Says much more about the state of our Christianity.

 
Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]