“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering, or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings” (St. Francis de Sales).

The Sting

I was excited to work with a new nonprofit partner. A former supervisor had taken me along to introduce me as her new marketing director. We left that introductory meeting in good spirits, but weeks later, I read an email that she had sent to the executive director seemingly apologizing on my behalf. Apparently, the nonprofit was mistakenly left off as a sponsor on some collateral, but I had never been advised that it needed to be included. Long story short, I was being thrown under the bus!

Like bee venom that spreads immediately through the body when its stinger sticks the skin, I instantly feel the pain when someone who’s supposed to support me, to defend me even, leaves me, instead, to be stung.

Healing Ointment

“Pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

During my last confession, the priest advised me that we are often disappointed in others because we hold many expectations about people. We expect others to act a certain way and then become angered when they don’t live up to our standards—a sin of pride? I am working on it!

Rather than focusing on how I should be supported, I’m striving to serve others at work. When I help my colleagues, I feel good. It’s like healing ointment against any sting.

A colleague once shared with candidates during an interview that “a great leader will always have your back.” This saying stuck with me; it’s like the coach who jumps in to join the team on those dreaded burpees or the superintendent who labors with his crew on their construction projects. These leaders are serving their team.

My boss recently hosted a staff retreat and invited us to select from a menu of lunch options. We eagerly made our selections, and then my boss disappeared. He left to go pick up our lunches and returned to hand out everyone’s custom order himself. I was surprised at his humility to serve us, and I felt appreciated.

I Got You

It’s easy for me to be stressed at work, but now, when I feel the anxiety building up, I shift my focus away from my colleagues and back to myself and my ultimate boss, in heaven.

Managers, directors, supervisors … they will all come and go. But Jesus will never leave. I have the opportunity every day to be a great leader through my actions. Titles don’t matter. How we treat others always matters.

Right before a big test or race, I enthusiastically rouse my daughters by saying, “You got this!” I like to picture Jesus looking at me every day and cheering me on, saying, “I got you!”

Yes, Jesus has my back. And he has yours, too.

Lilia Grundy is University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business’ Director of Corporate Partnerships with over 20 years of corporate experience (including Kraft Foods, NBC Television, and Telemundo). Lilia launched Catholic Women Professionals to inspire other working women to grow their faith. She is married to her high school sweetie Rob - they have beautiful twin girls who love art, music and learning about the Saints.