Leading in the workplace
Today’s blog post has been written by Jon Marshall. He has worked in the IT industry for nearly 25 years. He is a member of the Leadership Team at Jubilee and is involved in leading the Leamington community, now meeting twice monthly in Leamington Spa.
When two worldviews collide
I still remember an appraisal I had with my manager, where he encouraged me that I was doing well but needed to “blow my trumpet a bit more.” I was struck by my instinctive response: “I don’t do that.”
That was nearly 25 years ago, early in my time working in IT. I still reflect on that conversation and see it as a moment where two worldviews collided; recognition vs quiet faithfulness, self-promotion vs God-given identity. That manager went on to do very well for himself, climbing the ladder by doing exactly that.
Nothing to prove
Of course, it’s not wrong for a Christian to progress in their career. But we are given a very different model of leadership to follow in Jesus. In John 13, He famously washes His disciples’ feet. As an act of service, it still speaks powerfully today, regardless of time or culture. But have you ever noticed how this moment is introduced?
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” John 13:3-4
This is extraordinary logic:
Jesus knew who He was – He had come from God.
Jesus knew where He was going – He understood His purpose.
Jesus knew what He had – power and authority from the Father.
Therefore, He had nothing to prove and was free to serve.
Later, He encourages His disciples to follow His example, reminding them in verse 17: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
A Different way to work and lead
Yes, Jesus is the unique Son of God, but the same is true for us! When our identity is secure, we are freed from the need to prove ourselves. We can be confident in the authority and identity He gives us. We can be focussed on the purpose for which He calls us. And because of that, we can approach our work with an entirely different perspective.
We have a different master.
We have a different purpose.
And, as Colossians 3 reminds us in verses 23–24, we even have a different reward than just a salary:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
At the time, I wondered whether I limited my own career opportunities by choosing a different approach. But Jesus has been faithful and brought blessing in many unexpected ways.
Leading differently this week
Jesus’ servant-hearted mindset was revolutionary. Bringing this into the workplace, we are free to love and serve those God has put around us. And when it comes to leadership in business, servant leadership builds trust, demonstrates integrity, inspires loyalty, and helps cultivate a Kingdom culture.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the “rat race of self-promotion”. But perhaps there’s an invitation here—to rediscover the grace and freedom to serve in Jesus, and to see our identity and purpose in the workplace renewed.
What might that look like for you this week?
