Last-Minute Gifts You Can Still Give Your Boss

Christmastime, despite the cheer and goodwill to all, is often full of uncertainty when it comes to gifts. Especially challenging is that awkward tradition of exchanging gifts in the workplace. We’ve all received — and given — our share of tins of chocolates, mugs and ties. What did you get this week?

And giving to managers is particularly tricky. If you gave anything to the boss for this Christmas, the gift was probably minimal and even forgettable. After all, you don’t want to give the appearance that you're trying to sway the end-of-year performance report with a gift certificate. There’s a better solution.

Those of us who live under a Higher Calling understand that true gifts can’t be bought – instead we value intangible presents that serve a different purpose with eternal rewards. Here are five gifts that your boss, deep down, really wished you had given.

Show up and be on time There is nothing more maddening than the employee who is habitually clock unaware. She shows up five minutes late, and then goes to the bathroom right away to finish her makeup. He’s late returning from lunch and then slinks out early at the end of the day. And how about those sick calls? “Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master. Matt. 25:21

Work hard You are paid a wage to do a job. In this economy, few of has a right to squawk about a raise of more benefits. Your old dungy office should seem a little brighter simply because you have a paycheck. Look at the newspapers and talk to your friends who are unemployed. Every one of them would take your place in a second. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Col. 3.23

Have a good attitude The office Eeyore is a real drag. Like the melancholic, pessimistic donkey that was a depressing friend of Winnie-the-Pooh, his person always looks at the dark side of every situation. Disaster is always looming. Coworkers are always scheming against them. Reports are always flawed. The temperature is too hot – or too cold. The sky is always falling. There’s nothing worse than a person who never can see the good in any situation. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” Philippians 4:8

Show a little respect You don’t have to be buddies with the boss. You don’t have to be chummy. You don’t even have to “like” him. But we are all called to be respectful. The spirit of disrespect comes out in a thousand little ways, each one cutting its way into office harmony. You say the boss hasn’t earned your respect? We are really without excuse. We are called to something much greater. “Be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and the gentle but also to the unjust.” 1 Peter 2.18.

Get along There is nothing more exhausting to your boss than petty differences between the employees. All day long, he has to handle expectations of upper management, complaints of customers and personnel management. The last thing he wants to hear is another quarrel between employees. As Christians, we need to quit the quibbling with coworkers. “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Th 5:12-13

To all the bosses out there, sorry about the mug we gave you. So, here’s hoping for a better gift from your High Calling employees!

Article by Newsletter Editor David Rupert.