How to make christ-like decisions and not get scrwd

[DavidAdam]

Hey everyone,

I run a 14 man window cleaning operation. I've recently been having some trouble making some tough decisions that really required me to play hardball.

Most recently: An employee stole a job from us (a home owner approached him and he did the job for cash without telling us, fortunately one of our customers let us know he was doing this.) We have a 0 tolerance policy that we make all of our employees aware of. Our policy is to terminate as soon as we find out about the incident, and to recalculate any wages owing at minimum wage, and deduct the value of the job from their pay. He knew about this and went ahead anyway.

I've tried asking myself what would jesus do, but im not really sure. I think he would probably just let it go without reducing pay, and suggest he find another job.

However, I've also thought about parables in the bible that would say otherwise. (How abou tthat one where the farmer invites everyone to work in his farm for 10 dollars, and everyone agrees, but some are frustrated because they agreed to work longer than others but were paid equally, but the story implies that they all agreed to the deal int he first place and what others agreed to is irrelevant.

Well this employee agreed to our deal that we would recalculate evreything at minimum if he were to steal a job.

Also it does say let your yes be your yes and your no be your no. So i should mean what I say.


I'm a new christian, and especially new at christianity and business, can anyone offer some insite.

Quotes from scripture are always appreciated too.

Many thanks
-Dave

 

[llghoney]

The guy is working for you. He basically stole from your business. If he wants to start his own business then that is what he needs to do & not steal from you. DiId he tell you about doing this? How did you find out?

 

[cristianna]

Welcome to the family of Christ! I'm delighted you are diligently trying to go about this the right way.

Your situation is hard, and is what every biz owner dreads hearing about. First I have to ask, are you sure the company's "policy" is legal in your state?

Secondly I would remove *yourself* from the equation. Many biz owners have this emotional attachment and feelings about the biz. If you can remove the *me* element, and look at things from the *biz's* point of view I think it makes it a bit easier to make decisions.

And when you play the "bad guy" it's not "you" anymore-- it's the "biz" cannot afford employees to be late causing financial loss for every minute every employee is waiting around for you, "I" would certainly love to give you a raise, but right now the "biz's" finances cannot afford it, etc.

I'm sorry to say I cannot give you my personal opinion on this, but I certainly suggest you pray over it. There are just too many variables.

But ultimately I know you need an answer sooner than later. Maybe you can repost this under "Christian Advice": http://www.christianforums.com/f232-christian-advice.html

 

[BeauxReflets]

Hi, my thoughts are with you - I has similar knocks when I was an employer - stand firm to conditions of employment (providing they are legal) to assure the rest of the work force you are as good as your word.

Look ahead all the time - perhaps introduce a commission scheme to your workers for all jobs they bring in - offer customers a loyalty discount for recommendation and re engagement / regular work - you could even offer bonus scheme with say 1 free emergency service call out a year. (that way, even if the odd bad apple turns up, the business growth will make it more insignificant)

Best wishes Beaux Reflets

 

[mont974x4]

He stole and should be held accountable per the agreement. Don't worry about getting screwed. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't. Regardless of the other persons actions we must be right and just but also gracious and merciful.


Discipline is a part of love. Hold him accountable with the right heart and for the right reasons.

 

[JPPT1974]

Discipline we all need as
We just learn as wel go along
Don't worry just lean on the Lord!

 

[jive4005]

Certainly, you always want to follow sound and proven business practices.

that said, getting the shaft in business can and will happen. The biz world is mostly unsaved so expect the unexpected.

Here is something I have found. If you'll consistanly live and do biz as a real Christian should, word gets around... that you're reliable, on time, helpfull, easy to work with... yup, you'll develope a REP. Son, longevity in business depends upon your good reputation. If that reputation is Godly... you can't miss. Watch out for those speed bumps!

 

[wilsonkd]

Hi, my thoughts are with you - I has similar knocks when I was an employer - stand firm to conditions of employment (providing they are legal) to assure the rest of the work force you are as good as your word.

Look ahead all the time - perhaps introduce a commission scheme to your workers for all jobs they bring in - offer customers a loyalty discount for recommendation and re engagement / regular work - you could even offer bonus scheme with say 1 free emergency service call out a year. (that way, even if the odd bad apple turns up, the business growth will make it more insignificant)

Best wishes Beaux Reflets

Hi, I have had much luck with the commission concept as well. Most workers prefer the steady stream of income to the one-off chance of making a quick buck. If you can offer the commission plan they typically buy into it.

Good luck and Best wishes.

-Keith

 

[jciztheway332]

Are the people who work for you Christians. If not you can not expect them to act like one. We need to continually be gracefilled in our actions. We are not the judge. Have you given your business or are you still trying to run it. Give it to Jesus and the worries that go along with it. Allow Him to be the Boss. I know it sounds simplistic but it really can be. Trust in Him for everything. And try to operate out of grace. Yes sometimes we will get screwed by this world but God is in control, always working for the good of those who love Him. Try to find out what he wants you to learn from your trials.And pray continually expecially for employees.
In Christ, Jac

 

[tedpate]

I wish I had seen this soon. The problem has probably been resolved by now. The only thing you might have problems with is the reduction with pay before firing. You might check your labor laws. I'm not sure you can do that. You could take him to small claims court to recover but paychecks are fairly protected by the law. FYI - I fired my brother in law one when I had a cleaning business. Wasn't easy, but necessary. We still have a great relationship. I made it clear that "it was business".

Ted

 

[Armistead]

Are the people who work for you Christians. If not you can not expect them to act like one. We need to continually be gracefilled in our actions. We are not the judge. Have you given your business or are you still trying to run it. Give it to Jesus and the worries that go along with it. Allow Him to be the Boss. I know it sounds simplistic but it really can be. Trust in Him for everything. And try to operate out of grace. Yes sometimes we will get screwed by this world but God is in control, always working for the good of those who love Him. Try to find out what he wants you to learn from your trials.And pray continually expecially for employees.
In Christ, Jac

I don't hire only Christians. You're walking a thin legal line. Christian or not, all employees have rules to follow.
I have several Christians that work for me, but most of my employees are not. Most follow the rules and are ethical. It's not fair to say, if they are not christians, it means they may be less ethical. I've had as many problems with christian employees as non.

 

[bluemarkus]

hey theology is all good and well, but the only way to really figure out what a person is like, is to watch him when it comes down to business !

i think you should not be too protective, when youre a businessman, you will always have employees that will try tricks to get to what they see as theirs to have. maybe he was not satisfied with his salary, or has an expensive girlfriend, or wants some new car.

i am looking forward to be an employer one day to figure out what its all about. i only can tell its hard being an employee, most jobs dont offer too good conditions, but in the end its what you make of it.
if you got a lot of time (and as christians we have all time in the world...) you can even work for people that dont pay too good

cool huh ?

 

[TexasSky]

I would pay him the standard wage for the work he did do, and let him go.

OR

I would recalculate his wages at a lower wage, and keep him on.

Mercy and forgiveness are taught by Christ, and when He was asked, "Should I forgive seven times" His answer was to forgive as often as it takes.

 

[NostalgicGranny]

I would let him go. He stole your customer period the end. And most likely used some of your supplies in the process, and/or while on the clock for you.

I'm not sure about the reduced wages. It may not be ethical or legal.

 

[DerSchweik]

Hey everyone,

I run a 14 man window cleaning operation. I've recently been having some trouble making some tough decisions that really required me to play hardball.

Most recently: An employee stole a job from us (a home owner approached him and he did the job for cash without telling us, fortunately one of our customers let us know he was doing this.) We have a 0 tolerance policy that we make all of our employees aware of. Our policy is to terminate as soon as we find out about the incident, and to recalculate any wages owing at minimum wage, and deduct the value of the job from their pay. He knew about this and went ahead anyway.

I've tried asking myself what would jesus do, but im not really sure. I think he would probably just let it go without reducing pay, and suggest he find another job.

However, I've also thought about parables in the bible that would say otherwise. (How abou tthat one where the farmer invites everyone to work in his farm for 10 dollars, and everyone agrees, but some are frustrated because they agreed to work longer than others but were paid equally, but the story implies that they all agreed to the deal int he first place and what others agreed to is irrelevant.

Well this employee agreed to our deal that we would recalculate evreything at minimum if he were to steal a job.

Also it does say let your yes be your yes and your no be your no. So i should mean what I say.


I'm a new christian, and especially new at christianity and business, can anyone offer some insite.

Quotes from scripture are always appreciated too.

Many thanks
-Dave

Someone else mentioned the need to keep the "me" out of your business decisions. Good advice, yet difficult to keep if the "me" is "you-the owner of the business." Nevertheless, it is critical your business policies be adhered to objectively and consistently.

One of the reasons for having standard policies is to keep personalities and emotions out of the equation. Objectivity is a must in all disciplinary situations.

Assuming your policy is legal and sound, and assuming the agreements signed are as well - IMO you need to follow it. If you don't, you permit this case to be a precedent for future infractions - infractions that you will NOT be able to prosecute down the road if you permit this one to go unpunished.

Secondly - and someone else mentioned this already too - the business world is changing rapidly and radically - the people coming into the workforce today simply do not have the same work ethics and standards that existed even 20 years ago. This presents trememdous opportunities for Christian businessmen, IMO to stand out above the crowd with consistent good quality workmanship, excellent effort, prompt service, and pleasant manner.

ALL ethical standards (well, the commonly accepted ones anyway) have one biblical principle in common - "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." They all state it differently, but the essence of the principle is the same.

To be successful, you must, IMO, work this principle without fail, without compromise. The other poster is correct - all you have, when all is said and done, is your REPUTATION - cherish that as you cherish your own life and your business will succeed.

Stay objective, keep yourself out of the equation, and work the business as you would have the business treat you if you were its customer. Pray for your employees daily. Pray for the business to be an entity God can use for His purposes. Pray for your customers, and pray for your competition. Whether you get rich or not, the business will be successful.

 

[eGlory]

I believe the main point here is this:

That once we come to JESUS by faith, we become a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come.

HIS Word does not return to Him void, so all that you do in Him will be prosperous - lean not on your own understanding and yes, trust in the LORD. Rest in Him, wait upon HIM and He shall direct your paths.

Jesus died for all your sin, so walk in faith.