Finding Favor with Employees

Genesis 39:4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Joseph was an amazing man for many reasons, but one of those reasons was his ability to rise to the top no matter where he was. Let’s face it, he was not given the easy way to the top. Though he was the favored child, his journey to the top of every place of employment started at the bottom without the help of his parents or the favor of anyone around him. His ability to rise to the top at each place of employment should cause everyone to study what he did to make it to the top. Let me share several things Joseph did to rise to the top that will help you to rise in your place of employment.

First, he worked hard. This action alone will help you to rise to the top in any place of employment. We live in times that lack employees who will work hard. If you will be the hardest worker in your place of employment, you will most certainly stand out among the others you work with. If you will give an honest 8-hour day and not rob your employer of time by standing around or playing with your phone, you will likely rise to the top because of your work effort. Working hard is a choice, and it is also the Christian thing to do. You are a poor Christian if you rob your employer’s time by standing around or playing with your phone when you are to be working. Give your best effort to work for your employer, and you will easily find grace in his sight.

Second, be willing to take the hard and unwanted job. Joseph didn’t refuse the hard jobs, but he took them and worked them. When others don't want to take the job, you ought to be the first to volunteer to work it. Those who take the hardest and the most unwanted jobs and complete them will gain their employer's trust and favor.

Third, be faithful on the job. Joseph was faithful in every job, even when nobody was watching. Simply showing up every day to your job despite not feeling well will cause you to rise above most people. Being faithful to work is the right and decent thing to do. Faithfulness to show up on the job is a character trait that also shows your faithfulness to serve God. If you are unfaithful to your place of employment, you will be unfaithful to walk with God and serve Him.

Fourth, don't cheat your boss. Joseph could have cheated on his boss by being immoral with his wife, but he chose to do right instead. Don't cheat your boss by taking things from the place of employment that do not belong to you; that is called stealing. Just because you think it is something you can use does not mean you can use it. Ask before using it is always the best policy to follow.

Fifth, be productive on the job. Joseph was prosperous in everything he did. If you will make your boss money, you can be guaranteed that he will keep you and promote you on the job. Employers are in the business to make money; therefore, if you are productive on the job, you will find yourself in leadership positions.

Sixth, be trustworthy. Joseph held the power of his boss’ possessions because he was trustworthy. Employers will only give positions to those they trust; therefore, you be trustworthy with what your boss gives you to do, treat it right, and do what he wants you to do with it. Trustworthiness is achieved through honesty; be honest all the time and you will be trustworthy.