Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment

It amazes me how staff and teachers always have better ideas than administrators and principals do, and how students always have better ideas than teachers do. In fact, it seems that my superiors always made decisions that were unfair, thoughtless, and required too much unnecessary work. Does that sound familiar?

I must admit that I experienced these feelings as a child, as a student, as a secretary, as a teacher, as a principal, and as a school administrator. In fact, I cannot think of any of my jobs where I did not, at one time, experience these feelings of frustration and discontent. However, as I progressed up the “ladder” of leadership, I made a discovery. Decisions always seem much more simple, clear-cut, and obvious to those who do not have to make them than to those who carry the responsibility of leadership.

For instance, a student feels it is a simple thing to dismiss school. “If everyone is tired, then we should just dismiss for a day of rest.” Sounds simple, but leaders know that this is not reasonable. Feelings cannot be our measurement of attendance. Although this seems naive, the decision you are questioning from your authority may be as simple and clear-cut to your boss and not to you.

The basic principle is “know your place.” Know when you have the authority to make a decision and know when a decision belongs to a higher authority. Do not cross the line. Know the boundaries of your responsibilities and decision-making privileges. Learn to obey directives quickly, quietly and gladly. When you cannot find peace with the decision, prayerfully prepare to make a private appeal to your leader. Offer an alternative solution as you express your concern. Be careful! If you are constantly questioning or appealing your authority’s decisions, you will negate the validity of your appeals. In fact, your appeals will probably never be seriously considered. Save your appeals for the important issues. Obey without comment or conflict for the smaller issues. Choose your battles carefully.

Dear God, Teach me to be a good follower. Help me to understand that my boss may be basing decisions on a bigger picture than mine. Give me the grace to understand and accept your principles of authority. Teach me satisfaction in my job.