Play Your Role At Work

“The king will give work to a man who works well. But he has to do better than most men.” Proverbs 22:29 EASY

Every human knows the difference between good and bad.

In a work environment, we all have different standards of what we consider good. Sometimes, an organisation will create guidelines to define what “good” means. Others rely on the intellect of the team, or rather, “common sense”.

Some people have a naturally high standard for good, quality work, which is most likely influenced by background and exposure. Others grow into such standards.

While some try to meet those standards and do good work, there are those who intentionally don’t. The first time I discovered this, I was shocked.

“I can’t kill myself” is a phrase young Nigerians have come to adopt, which in this context, can mean, “I will not go the extra mile to do what needs to be done. I’ll do just what is enough and then, pack up.”

While this phrase is valid in situations where you have put in your best, met expected standards and now demand rest from all that work, other times it’s an excuse for intentional mediocrity.

Being mediocre doesn’t make you a bad person, especially when your goal is to get better. You may be slower than others, but not inferior. You’ll get there. But intentional mediocrity is a sin to yourself, your career and your entire generation!

If you know you’re going to make a decision to perform below average on a project, or in a role because of current workload or other personal reasons, then don’t you dare take it up.

Remember the first paragraph in this article. We know when what we do is bad.

Even with this mindset, many still want to stand before Kings. That’s just messed up.

Have you not realized that when a king (someone of importance) wants something done, he consults his team and has them recommend the best in town? (See Joseph’s promotion in Genesis 41:12-14).

The best in town will definitely not be the person who intentionally creates poor work just to get by. Even though sometimes such people slip through the cracks, nemesis would always catch up with them.

The Type of Work Doesn’t Matter

When the output of a particular role contributes minimally to the bottom line of an organisation, usually such team members see themselves as insignificant and do as they please.

They forget Colossians 3:23 TPT,

“Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.”

No role is insignificant, no effort exists in a void. Every activity adds an extra building block to the organisation and to your life.

Are you striving to be the best in town, or would you rather intentionally remain mediocre just because society says it’s okay?

In this script, we all have a role to play. Hopefully, your character will stand the test of time.