Don’t Despise Your Boss: A Call to Honour
It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, to assume the grass is greener in the corner office, and to believe that leadership is simply about giving orders and receiving perks. But there’s a side of leadership many rarely see, a side filled with sleepless nights, personal sacrifices, and sometimes embarrassing ordeals. This is especially true for business owners and bosses who bear the heavy burden of ensuring salaries are paid—often with no clear path to securing the funds.
Bosses, in many ways, are the unsung heroes of the
workplace. They shoulder the weight of financial responsibilities, often
juggling multiple projects and deadlines while navigating the ever-changing
landscape of the business world. In Ghana, where economic fluctuations and
global uncertainties can significantly impact businesses, bosses often find
themselves facing daunting challenges. Despite these obstacles, they remain
committed to providing a stable and supportive environment for their employees.
One of the most significant sacrifices bosses make
is their personal financial well-being. During periods of economic downturn or
unexpected expenses, they may forgo their own salaries or reduce their
compensation to ensure that their employees receive their paychecks on time.
This selfless act demonstrates their unwavering dedication to the welfare of
their team members.
Bosses often face immense pressure to maintain a
positive and productive work environment. They must mediate conflicts, address
employee concerns, and foster a sense of camaraderie among their team members.
This can be a demanding task, requiring excellent communication skills,
empathy, and a strong understanding of human psychology.
Despite their best efforts, bosses may sometimes
make mistakes or decisions that are not well-received by their employees. These
errors can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and even gossip. However, it
is essential to remember that bosses are also human beings who are subject to
the same flaws and limitations as everyone else. Instead of dwelling on their
mistakes, it is more productive to focus on their strengths and the positive
impact they have on the organization.
It is disheartening to hear of instances where
employees engage in harmful behaviors such as gossip, lying, cheating, or even
threatening the lives of their bosses. Such actions are not only unethical but
also counterproductive. By fostering a culture of respect and trust, employees
can contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.
In
Ghana, as in many parts of the world, there are countless small and
medium-sized businesses where owners face daily challenges in keeping the
business afloat. The economic realities can be harsh. Delays in payment from
clients, erratic inflows, and unexpected financial downturns are all too
common. And yet, month after month, employees expect their salaries—rightfully
so. But what happens when those inflows don’t come in as expected?
A
business owner, who may have promised salaries on the 28th of each month, is
suddenly faced with the harsh reality that there’s no money in the company
account. The tension mounts as employees, who are dependent on their paychecks
for their daily needs, grow anxious. Many of these employees, unaware of the
financial struggle behind the scenes, become critical. They gossip, lie, and in
some unfortunate cases, even plot against their bosses. Some go so far as to
cheat or steal, justifying their actions by the belief that "the company
owes me."
But
do they understand the deep sacrifice many bosses make just to keep them
employed? Do they know the embarrassing ordeal of a business owner having to
borrow money just to meet payroll? Do they see the emotional and mental toll it
takes when an owner must choose between laying off loyal staff or keeping them
on despite limited resources?
A
Global Challenge
This
challenge isn't limited to Ghana. Across the globe, business owners—especially
in the world of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—face similar struggles. For
instance, in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey by the World
Bank found that over 90% of SMEs worldwide experienced severe
revenue losses. https://rb.gy/hu9yb9 . In
Ghana, the story was no different. A report from the Ghana Statistical
Service indicated that about 41%
of firms reduced workers' wages, while about 31% laid off staff during the
pandemic. Yet, many bosses fought tooth and nail to avoid layoffs, choosing
instead to bear personal losses just to keep their teams intact.
Consider
the case of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Before her company
became a global success, Blakely faced numerous challenges, including financial
strain. She was once forced to pay her staff with personal savings, even when
the company was barely turning a profit. Her commitment to her employees, even
during difficult times, is a testament to the sacrifices many bosses make
behind the scenes.
Closer
to home, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, a prominent Ghanaian entrepreneur, faced
immense challenges in managing his businesses during the financial sector
cleanup. Despite the difficulties, he worked tirelessly to retain staff and pay
salaries, even when inflows were irregular due to systemic challenges in the
industry.
The
Embarrassing Ordeal
For
some bosses, the embarrassment of not being able to pay salaries on time is
unbearable. They are the ones who stay up late at night, staring at their bank
accounts, praying for a breakthrough. They visit banks, seek loans, or even
sell personal assets just to ensure that their employees can put food on the
table.
In
Ghana, we’ve heard stories of business owners who take loans from “loan sharks”
with incredibly high-interest rates, just to cover payroll. These are not
unethical bosses seeking personal gain—they are servant-leaders doing
everything in their power to protect their staff. Their embarrassment isn’t
from a lack of effort but from the harsh economic realities that sometimes
overwhelm even the most well-meaning businesses.
And
yet, many employees remain unaware or unsympathetic. They spread gossip,
undermine leadership, and in some cases, even attempt to sabotage the very
business that sustains them. In extreme cases, employees have plotted harm
against their bosses, driven by envy or frustration. But is this the way we
honor those who sacrifice so much for our livelihoods?
A
Change of Heart and Attitude
If
you’ve never truly respected your boss, today is the day to change your heart
and attitude. It’s time to acknowledge that while no boss is perfect, many of
them are doing their best in incredibly challenging circumstances. They are not
just managers or owners—they are the ones who stand between you and unemployment.
This
isn’t to condone unethical behavior or bosses who disregard the rights of their
workers. There are, unfortunately, bad bosses who exploit their staff. But
that’s not who we’re talking about. We’re honoring the bosses who serve with
integrity, who make sacrifices, and who do their best to create a sustainable
environment for their staff. These are the servant-leaders who, despite the
odds, work to ensure their employees are taken care of.
As
employees, we are called to be good stewards of the opportunities we are given.
That means working with integrity, respecting the leadership of our bosses, and
contributing positively to the success of the business. When inflows are
delayed, it’s easy to become frustrated, but imagine the burden your boss is
carrying.
Data
from the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that over 50%
of businesses worldwide face cash flow issues at least once a year. In many
African countries, including Ghana, businesses often deal with unpredictable
market conditions, high taxes, and fluctuating exchange rates—all factors that
make payroll a constant challenge. Yet, despite these obstacles, many bosses
push forward.
Your
boss might not share the full extent of their struggles, but they face them
every day. Rather than gossip or steal, why not be the employee your boss is
proud of? Why not contribute to solutions rather than problems? Your attitude
towards your boss can make all the difference, not just in your workplace but
in your own personal growth and development.
Reflect
The
Bible says in Romans 13:7-8 Give
to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue,
then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.8 Let
no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for
whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
This
applies not only to political leaders but to every form of leadership,
including your boss. If you’ve never honored your boss, today is the day to
start. A boss who serves with integrity deserves your respect, support, and
understanding.
Let
us be people who uplift and support those in leadership, especially in
challenging times. After all, when your boss succeeds, so do you. And when you
honor them, you open the door to your own growth and opportunities.
Samuel
Elijah Boateng
John
Maxwell Leadership | Author
+ 233 0279753816
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