Being a ‘Super Boss’

It was perhaps several years ago when I encountered a book entitled “Jesus in Blue Jeans.” The book is about living the life of Christ in ordinary life situations. It is being Christ-like in the streets. The book is all about positive attitude. To Winston Churchill, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Motivational and leadership guru, John Maxwell, refers to attitude as an inward feeling that is expressed in behavior. Attitude is seen beyond spoken language and words. It is not what you wear. It is what you are. Like in a song from the musical Annie, “It’s not what you’re wearing from Main Street or Saville Row; it’s what you wear from ear to ear and not from head to toe, that matters.”

So much is written about positive attitude. So many ‘how to be good’ books are in the shelves in many booksellers and libraries. Hearing mass this Sunday, I was once again reminded of the “Sermon on the Mount.” The 8 Beatitudes and how one should apply them at the office and in the home.

The Eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Being a super boss in the office is equivalent to being humble. Exercise humility. The heaven belongs to you if are humble and sincere enough to say: “I have nothing without You. God, I am nothing without You.”

2. Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. Be softhearted. Realize your own weaknesses and sins and do something about them. Only the stonehearted may see injustice, greed, bloodshed, wickedness, and hatred and not be moved by it all.

3. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. For the executive and the gentleman, meekness is power under control. It means the right action, at the right moment, for the right amount of time. It involves an attitude of trust and subservience to God.

4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. Being at the top makes you crave for temporary things, like, righteousness and fame, or righteousness and sex. But Jesus refers to the desire and craving for righteousness alone. He said, that to the few, who are righteous, what the world gives to them would last forever.

5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. It is about forgiving. It is about second chances. It is about bringing out the best in people.

6. Blessed are the pure at heart: for they shall see God. Be simple!

7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Be at peace with yourself and with God. This does not mean the absence of conflict but the working to make peace in it.

8. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Sometimes or in many times than one, doing something good requires you to swim against the current. God will lead the way.