Are You Prepared for Your “Undercover Boss?”

I love to watch the television show “Undercover Boss.” In case you are not familiar with this show, the premise is that the president or the chief operating officer of a corporation will disguise him- or herself and go undercover within their own company. They will assume different job roles, usually as a brand new employee. They get to see firsthand how experienced employees feel about working for the company.  The “Undercover Boss” also gets to hear what the employees think about the way the company is run.  Are you prepared for your “Undercover Boss?”

Be a Good Example

Generally the “Undercover Boss” learns a lot about their company and the people who are responsible for making it a success. They learn which policies and procedures are working and which need improvement. As they hear the life stories of employees in different parts of the company, their own lives are affected. Sometimes the employees are good, and sometimes they aren’t so good. But either way, the employees think the undercover boss is someone they are training to work in the company, so they feel free to be themselves.

At the end of the episode, the “Undercover Boss” brings each employee they have worked with to headquarters. There they reveal their true identity. Meeting the head of the company can either be rewarding or awkward and shocking as they sit down to hear the thoughts of their boss.

What Does the “Undercover Boss” Think?

Most of the time, the bosses are impressed with their employees, but there are times I have seen the “Undercover Boss” give their employees a stern “Shape up or ship out” message.  The show got me thinking about what I would do if Jesus came disguised as the “Undercover Boss” and worked with me for a week. What would He have to say to me when He revealed His identity? Would Jesus fire me, or would He be pleased with my work?

Here are some of the ways I think Jesus as my “Undercover Boss” would be pleased and other ways that I could probably use some improvement.

I Am Loyal

I am loyal. No matter where I have worked in my life, I have always been loyal to my employer. I have always tried to do my best and go above and beyond what was asked of me in terms of doing my job. I may not have always agreed with everything an employer has done, but I have had honest conversations with my employer about those matters which bothered me.

I’m a Team Player

I’m a team player. Well, sometimes I am, and sometimes I’m not. Why? Because I’m prone to be a Type A personality and can be a control freak. There are times when I feel it is just easier to do it myself rather than make a production out of it. Now, is that the right attitude? Not always, because there is a chance I can miss out on some great insights and wisdom a team can give me.

I’m a Good Listener

I’m a good listener. I am a good listener that only wants the facts at work. Don’t take an hour explaining what you want if you can explain it in ten minutes. Just spit it out so I can get the job done. However, if I have a family member, a friend, or even a work associate who needs a listening ear, I am your person.

I’m an Encourager

I’m an encourager! We all need encouragement! I am the first one to let you know your cup is half full, not half empty. Even in my reviews from past employers, one of the reoccurring themes is my “can do” mentality. If I’m leading a team but don’t believe we can do the job required, then it becomes very evident with my team members and we won’t accomplish the task.

I’m a Rule Follower

I’m a rule follower. Rules are for a reason, and generally, they are for fairness and safety. I am all about the rules because they govern the ability to know what is acceptable and unacceptable. However, if I see injustices that are being done to people by those who are in authority, I will speak up even if it jeopardizes my job. I’m a firm believer if you are in authority and you can’t follow your own rules then you need to re-write the rules.

Sometimes, I’m Too Passionate

I am passionate about my work. Sometimes, I am too passionate because other things suffer as a result of wanting to do a good job, including my relationship with Jesus. This is a biggie because I need to fight for boundaries that allow space for the most important thing in my life, which is my relationship with God. Otherwise, everything else eventually will fall apart in my professional and personal life.

Personally, I Struggle with Mean People

I get along with almost anybody. I admit that I do not get along with people whose only goal in life is to make other people miserable. Life is too short to ride that train. However, if Jesus were my “Undercover Boss,” I’m sure he would have a few things to say to me and give me some wisdom in this situation.

I Admit I Can Improve

Overall, I am the same person on the job as I am in my life. There is always room for improvement. However, the good news is Jesus will never fire me for lack of trying to do what is right. Why? Because He knows my imperfections. What about you? If Jesus went undercover in your life, would he find you different than the person you portray? When Jesus brought you to headquarters, would you be embarrassed by what you did or how you acted?

Are You an Asset?

At work, we usually receive a yearly review to let us know how we are doing at our job. With Jesus as our boss, we need to make sure we are always doing our best. It doesn’t mean that we will be perfect because there is always room for growth.

I hope I’m always an asset to the company I work for and a pleasure to the people who work with me. My prayer is I’m always the kind of worker the boss hates to see leave.

We are a reflection of the people and company we work for, and as believers in Christ, we reflect God to the world. Share on XWe are a reflection of the people and the company we work for, and as believers in Christ, we reflect God to the world. To be trustworthy and respected, we must keep putting our best foot forward at work, home, and anywhere we go because Jesus is with us everywhere, including our work day!