H.R. Woes

I've been working for myself since 1996 - two private consulting businesses and now a 501c3 public charity. I had a conversation with my Senior Pastor on Monday around the difficulty of managing other humans - he asked me if I'd ever managed anyone. It reminded me of why I left institutional employment and management level positions - I got worn out by dealing with human resources issues instead of doing my job as a pharmacist. At one point, I had management responsibilities for 90 FTE's and I found myself spending inordinate amounts of time serving as a glorified babysitter. There I was doctorally trained and I was having to counsel other professionals about why it was necessary to follow the rules, show up on time, behave themselves and get along with others. Amazing, frustrating, disturbing, sad! My pastor was in the same place - his staff is not working well together, don't have a high level of trust, and some are still laboring under a philosophy of work and approach to spirituality that was resident for 25 years. Additionally, he's dealing with some staff who are also long-term members of the church - well-meaning people, but possibly not a good fit for their jobs. They've been used to having their own way and to doing whatever they felt was right. My pastor's guidance is seen as opinion to be ignored, rather than edicts from the boss. He's frustrated and I could empathize. Human relations are the toughest things that any of us engage in everyday. What's the way out of these H.R. woes? Not sure I have an answer, but I do have an approach for faith communities. In the Christian tradition there is a section of the book of Matthew (5th Chapter) known as the Beatitudes or the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus talks about who is blessed by God, and one of those who are blessed are the peacemakers - for they are God's children. Max Lucado in his book, "The Applause of Heaven" notes that peacemakers are those "architects who build bridges with the wood of a Roman cross". Beautiful imagery and so necesary to the proper and healthy functioning of a community. When we seek to build bridges based on our best characteristics, instead of moats or fortresses based on personal need, we create space for the "other" to meet us. Much of what manager's deal with on a daily basis could be undone with a view to bridge building. So this week, seek to build a bridge with someone who is challenging. Tackle a situation that seems too big by enlisting support from others. Build a bridge of positive communication with your direct reports and see what happens to their demeanor. I wish you well. Peace for the journey, Dan