Being Mean At Work

It pays to be mean at work, at least that’s the conclusion of a study recently published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. Among conclusions in the article are — Nice guys finish last in the office.

• The more caring you are to colleagues, the less likely you are to be promoted.
• Those who have agreeable personalities and think about others tend to neglect their own career advancement.
• Agreeable individuals need to be coached to focus on their advancement.

This article presents a thoroughly worldly philosophy of work. Look out for yourself. Treat other people as stepping stones. Use others as necessary to further yourself.

How different is the thinking of Jesus, “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. . .” (Philippians 2:6). As Christians we need to remember that our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus. Take a moment to consider God’s Word on our work.

• “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him” (Ephesians 6:5-9).

• “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. . .” (Colossians 3:23).

• “Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh” (1 Peter 2:18).

• “Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty” (James 5:4).

Christians need to recapture a biblical view of work. John Stott writes, “The two sentences of Genesis 1:26 belong together: ‘let us make man in our image’ and ‘let them have dominion’. It is because we bear God's image that we share God's dominion. Therefore our potential for creative work is an essential part of our Godlike humanness.” Authentic Christianity, p. 362.

Maybe it pays to be mean at work, but as Christians we must count the cost.

— Bob Clark

10/5/2004