A recent study funded by Melbourne University found that three out of four employees in the Australian workplace believe their managers do not do a good job.  Furthermore, 75 percent believe that they can do a better job.

Does your boss do a good job? Could you do better? How frustrated or angry are you because of ineffective management? What about other areas of your life?

The article by Clay Lucas in The Sydney Morning Herald  was titled, “Anger Management: study shows that most workers feel they should be boss.”

We have the perception that being boss means you’re in control, that you get to make the decisions and do what you want. Those who are boss are aware that it’s much more complex than that, and that you don’t always get to do what you want. However, basically, the boss is in control—as least from the perspective of those under him/her.

Generally, we like to be in control of our lives, whether at work, at home, or . . . anywhere. Arguments erupt between children over who is in control of a particular toy—or spouses over the finances. Cancer is a dreaded word because it is generally totally outside our control.

The Australia problem is not limited to Australia or to the workplace. It’s human nature to think your way is better. When you do, frustration and anger grow out of things not going the way you think they should. Simmering discontent, conflict, and strife often follow.

What do you do about it? After all, sometimes you can do better than the person above you.

Paul told the believers in Rome, “through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3).

Don’t think too highly of yourself? That means you think more highly of others, of their ideas and ways of doing things. Instead of demanding your way, build them up, listen to them, appreciate them, and defer to them.

Notice the clarification and hope in last phrase, “as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

God has gifted each with faith. To expect that I always know the best way is to deny that God might give solutions through someone else. As I acknowledge them, I am acknowledging the gifting God has put in them.

On the other hand, if I have been allotted a measure of faith, I need to put that faith to work. I don’t have to be in control when God is by my side. Instead of demanding my way, I can rest in God and trust Him with the results.

Can you do better than your manager? Is he or she blocking your way?

If you can do better, it’s hard to let go and rest in God. But, when it’s time to defer, it’s toxic to hold on to the mindset, “I can do better.”  It will lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and bitterness and/or anger.

If you want peace and harmony, give your better ideas to God and trust Him for a good outcome. Instead of holding onto your way, work to support the other person. If you do, you’ll grow in character and in faith.

Maybe that’s what it’s all about.

What do you do when you can do better than your manager?