What Do You Do When The Boss Is Not Looking?

As an employer, I have a unique ability to change the tone of the room, or the behavior of those in the room, just by walking in! Whether I like it or not, I have come to realize that my presence, as the boss, changes people’s behavior. I think it is human nature to act differently when the boss is not looking.

Boss’ Presence Changes Behavior!

It is amazing to me how many conversations come to an immediate end or how inactivity turns into frenzied activity when I come around a corner or walk into a room. I don’t want you to get the picture that I create fear or that our employees are lazy. Neither are the case.

At the same time, there is a difference between what people will say or do when the boss is not looking versus when he or she is present. Like me, you have likely observed this phenomenon from both sides.

I Am Guilty!

When I was in school or first working in the business, I remember multiple times when I thought I was out of sight of the teacher or the boss. Rather than doing what I was supposed to be doing, I went in a different direction. In some cases, I misbehaved. Other times, I simply did nothing I was supposed to be doing.

There were times I was caught and other times when I got away with it. Regardless, these are not times I am proud to discuss. Even today, I think I can be guilty of this. More on that later!

My point is that we need to examine ourselves and determine what we normally do when the boss is not looking. There are a couple of levels on which we can ask this question.

When Boss Is Not Looking

First, to whatever degree we work for someone else, we need to be diligent to do our jobs. We need to do this even when the boss is not looking. We need to do this because it is our responsibility as followers of Jesus. Consider these words from Paul:

Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:22-24

Most of us probably agree with this thought. This is especially true if you are a boss of any sort. You want to know that those that report to you are working and doing what they should be doing even when you are not there.

What If We Are The Boss?

But how does this idea apply to those of us who are Christian business owners? What if we are at the top of the company and there is no one else to “watch” us? Is there any real application here?

Actually, I think there is. First, though your organizational chart may show you at the top, you are still responsible to those listed under you. They and their families are reliant upon you and your leadership. Just like the sheep depend on the shepherd, they depend on you.

Without your focus and hard work, their opportunities to grow and succeed are stifled. Whenever your focus drifts and you stop doing your job as part of the team, the overall success of the company slips a notch. So, whether they are looking or not, you are responsible to be diligent in your work!

God As The Boss?

Now, let’s take this to another level. While God is not necessarily our “boss” in the way that we normally think of Him, there is a parallel idea here. When the boss is not looking, our behavior changes. When we do not think about God watching, our behavior can also change.

Sure God is invisible and it is hard for us to remember at times that He is always watching us. At the same time, maybe that is something that should change. Maybe we need to work harder at recognizing that He is always with us and always aware of what we are and are not doing.

What About You?

Knowing this is true, what thoughts are coming to mind? What are you doing that you know He doesn’t want you doing? What are you not doing that He really wants you to do? Do you behave with God the way you do when the boss is not looking?

I know this is not easy to do. I have a hard time with it myself. However, that does not mean we can simply ignore the issue. As with anything else, we need to recognize what should be and what is. Then we need to work to close the gap. Easier said than done, I know.

Do you behave differently when the boss is not looking?

Do others act differently when you are around?

What do you need to change?

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