Take charge of the unruly child in your workplace

Wisdom is the theme of this blog, and it is the running message in Proverbs, which tells us to seek after wisdom, as if we were seeking for hidden treasure.

What does this really mean? In the months since I've started this blog, I have begun to gain a better understanding of how seeking wisdom might work on a day-to-day basis. To me, it means looking around at the familiar, seeking new insight. It means reading something I've read dozens of times and suddenly learning something new. This is one of the reasons I have enjoyed getting back into reading Proverbs regularly. Each time I read it, something new sticks out. Today is no exception.

Proverbs 17:2 (The Message) "A wise servant takes charge of an unruly child and is honored as one of the family."

Today, this verse actually made me think of the workforce. I do a lot of work looking at management practices and leadership development, and one thing I see a lot is a lack of initiative and people taking ownership in their roles. The bigger an organization gets, there tends to be a silo effect and a pervasive attitude of "that's not my job," or "that is someone else's problem".

I see true leaders shed these attitudes and take on the role described in this verse of the honored servant. They take the bull by the horns and take ownership in addressing issues that may or may not be "their job."

Whether it is from being overwhelmed and overworked, or simply not wanting to take risks, or being limited by title or position, the majority do not step out on a limb and show initiative to take charge when no one else is.

I see the word servant being a key and critical concept here. This is not about a hero stepping up and then receiving accolades. This is about having a servant mentality about getting things done, about handling the unruly child, and ultimately being honored and respected for it.

1) When do you tend to "silo" yourself in the workplace or in other areas of your life?
2) Where could you better apply the principle of being a servant and reaching out to help with the "unruly" issues you could make a difference by addressing?
3) If there are issues you are unable to do anything about because of your position, your title, or your situation, how can you serve those and communicate with those who can do something about them? (Rather than just complaining about the obnoxious, unruly child).