How To Live Out Your Faith In The Workplace

Navigating the somewhat tricky landscape of faith and business can be scary. You may have heard of cases such as Jack Phillips, the Christian baker in Colorado who refused to bake a cake for a homosexual couple, or Joel Dahl, the owner of Dahled Up Construction in Oregon, who was sued for hosting a Bible study during working hours.

These cases are scary. They can make a Christian scared to share their faith or even make the acknowledgment of being a Christian.

Man kneeling and praying on a beach

Photo by Ben White

But, as a believer, Christians are called to share their faith. We are not called to shirk this responsibility for fear of being persecuted. That’s not what being a Christian is all about.

Yet, more and more Christians are shying away from sharing their faith. It’s because of stories like Jack and Joel’s that have made Christians hide their candles under a bushel (no, we’re not supposed to do this!). Many Christian business owners are willing to lead but unwilling to share their faith. This is sad but understandable… to a point.

It’s Okay If People Don’t Take You Seriously

Being Taken Seriously

While we all desire to be taken seriously, especially those of us leading teams, what happens if people don’t take us seriously? Is it a problem to struggle in this area? Will it derail your ability to lead?

These are all great questions. They’re questions that need to be answered.

Woman slouched against a wall

Photo by Eric Ward

Knowing how to be taken seriously will help you become a better, more trusted leader. When you’re not taken seriously, your ability to lead can suffer.

This may sound like I’m condemning the leaders who aren’t taken seriously. The ones whose teams can’t look them in the eye without laughing or smirking.

Maybe that’s you. Maybe it’s another leader you know. Either way, this is troubling.

But don’t fret. It’s okay if people don’t take you seriously. You’re not out of the running as a leader just because people fail to take you seriously. You can still lead… And lead well when you’re not taken seriously.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Spider-Man: Far From Home

A Reel Leadership Article

Tom Holland returns to the fun role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Spider-Man: Far From Home picks up shortly after the recent Avengers: Endgame movie.

Peter Parker is still reeling from the aftermath of Endgame. His friend and mentor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Junior), is dead. He’s trying to figure out his place in the world he recently returned to. And he has a big legacy to live up to.

Tom Holland as Spider-Man and Jake Gyllenhall as Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home

Not only that, Peter has a love interest, a classmate named MJ (Zendaya). His class is going on an overseas trip (hence the Far From Home subtitle) and he has a big plan. He’s going to ask MJ out.

All of Peter’s plans go in the trash when something crazy happens. A water elemental who looks a lot like Hydro-Man, a Spider-Man villain who controls water, attacks London while Peter and his class are there.

Gaining The Respect Of Those You Lead

Being Taken Seriously

Many leaders want to be super serious so they can be taken seriously. They believe the more they have a hard-nosed, get it done at any cost type of attitude, the more they’ll be respected.

This line of thinking is wrong. You don’t gain the respect of your team by being hard-nosed. You also don’t gain respect by having a get it done at any cost type of attitude.

Man wearing a shirt saying respect. Standing in front of a leaf background

Photo by Tiago Felipe Ferreira

There’s a better, more efficient way of gaining respect. One you can do without completely alienating the ones you lead.

But how do you gain the respect of those you lead without demanding respect? You follow what I’ll share today.

Gaining The Respect Of Those You Lead

Great leaders know they can’t push people around and expect them to be respected. Rather, great leaders know they can do a select few activities and be respected.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Toy Story 4

A Reel Leadership Article

Toy Story has been a favorite movie of mine for as long as I can remember. Watching the story of toys come to life reminds me of childhood and how I used to play with toys. I’m sure I imagine I used to think my toys could come to life when I wasn’t around. I mean, what kid didn’t?

Toys from Toy Story 4. Includes Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep, Gabby Gabby, and others

This is part of the charm of the Toy Story movies. The story is relatable to every child and child-at-heart. But that’s not the only thing that makes Toy Story great.

The Toy Story cast is amazing. The cast of Toy Story 4 includes the returning voice actors:

Michigan native Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear

Tom Hanks as the cowboy Woody

Annie Potts as Bo Peep

Joan Cusack as Jessie

Wallace Shawn as Rex

John Ratzenberger as Hamm

Blake Clark as Slinky Dog