A Sure Way For a Boss To Respond To The Concerns of Younger Workers

Last time we outlined typical concerns of younger workers these days. They are what they are. And a boss dealing with younger workers should take note, assuming our source accurately conveyed these concerns.

So how does a boss respond to these concerns. We propose looking to St. Benedict.

In the Rule of St. Benedict, there's an entry that describes just how the Abbot (the boss) should look at and treat his monks (employees). 

Over the years, we've made the point many times that the Rule may well be the greatest reference work we have for how a business should be organized and should be run, for how a boss should treat employees, for how employees should attend to their work. (Actually, it is.)We don't have time to recall those many posts. Just noting this now for some background as to why referencing the Rule will be the perfect source for the boss who needs to respond to those concerns of his or her younger workers.

Here are selections from Chapter 64. St. Benedict has described how the abbot should be appointed. He then proceeds to remind the Abbot that he will have to account for the responsibilities of his position - to God of course. 

(And in the end, shouldn't any boss consider this when fulfilling the responsibilities of his position?)

Here we go:

"...let him know that it is duty rather to profit his brethren than to preside over them....

...Let him always set mercy above judgement so that he himself may obtain mercy...

...Let him hate ill-doing but love the brethren. In administering correction, let him act with prudent moderation, lest being too zealous in removing the rust he break the vessel. Let him always distrust his own frailty and remember that the bruised reed is not to be broken. By this we do not mean that he should allow evils to grow, but that, as we have said above, he should eradicate them prudently and with charity, in the way which may seem best in each case. And let him study rather to be loved than feared... 

...Let him not be turbulent or anxious, overbearing or obstinate, jealous or too suspicious, for otherwise he will never be at rest. let him be prudent and considerate in all his commands; and whether the work which he enjoins concern God or the world, let him always be discreet and moderate, bearing in mind the discretion of holy Jacob, who said: If I cause my flocks to be overdriven, they will all perish in one day...

...So, imitating these and other example of discretion, the mother of all virtues, let him so temper all things that the strong may still hve something to long after, and the weak may not draw back in alarm..."

Anyone can use their intellect and imagination to see how these might apply to any boss responsible for the management and supervision of others. Indeed, these few words serve as a perfect instruction manual for current and aspiring bosses, in whatever industry they might serve, however many people they manage, be they CEOs of large corporations, owners of even the smallest businesses, and everything in between.

Two final comments:

First, we suggest that any current or aspiring boss, read these words carefully, think about them, let them sink in and act accordingly. Pursued prudently and diligently, with the help of God, success will be assured in motivating your charges to accomplish the goals and objectives of your business.

Second, we suggest that a boss that does follow the these instructions, even better, that studies the Rule of St. Benedict will be able to respond to the concerns of not only their younger workers, but workers of any age, gender, race, and religion.

As one of my former bosses was wont to say after issuing instruction, analysis, or evaluation: Period, end of report!