Page 142 - The Bible On Leadership

128 THE BIBLE ON LEADERSHIP

difficult to achieve, but those leaders who are able to do so receive
maximum loyalty and productivity from their people.
One example is Phil Myers, the ServiceMaster account manager
mentioned earlier who defends his people against insensitive treatment
by anyone, even the most powerful executive. But Myers is no touchy-
feely ‘‘pushover.’’ He demands the same accountability from his em-
ployees that he does from the unfortunate executive who dares to mis-
treat them. Myers is the first to appreciate and reward employees: ‘‘Hey,
I’ve been in the ranks. I know what it’s like to be a housekeeper.’’ But
he also makes it clear that less than excellent work is not acceptable. If
there is a person who is not performing adequately or who is undermin-
ing the spirit of the team, Myers follows a three-step process:

1. Confront the negative behaviors.
2. Give the employee a chance to change.
3. Terminate if there is no improvement. 27

It is appropriate that Myers works for a company based on biblical
principles, because his disciplinary approach could be traced to three
verses:

‘‘Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.’’ ( John 5:14)
‘‘Yet now I am happy, because your sorrow led to repentance.’’ (2 Cor.
7:8)
‘‘I will discipline you, but only with justice.’’ ( Jer. 31:20)

BIBLICAL LESSONS ON
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Constantly communicate performance expectations: ‘‘before,’’
‘‘during,’’ and ‘‘after.’’