By the Book

I’ve heard many times about how impossible it is to fire a Civil Service employee. However, having spent 37 years in supervision and management in the Postal Service, I know from experience that it’s not true. I never failed in an attempt to remove an employee who refused to perform. The cumbersome process we had to use was intended to protect employees from over zealous supervisors and unjustified removal. Supervisors had to document their case and build a file of progressive discipline leading up to the removal. The system was tedious, but it worked.

When our employees transferred between units, their discipline file followed them. Subsequently, when you received a new employee you could build on the progressive discipline efforts initiated by prior supervisors. I once had a carrier transfer into the Briarcliff Branch accompanied by a very thick discipline folder. I was surprised, with his history of disciplinary actions, that he was still employed. His discipline history was mostly minor infractions that did not hinder service nor pose a threat to others; most seemed to be the result of boredom or possibly an employee who was under employed. I decided to give him an opportunity to start over with a clean record, hoping that this would improve his attitude and performance. I explained my intent to him and purged his discipline record. His performance as a carrier at Briarcliff was exemplary and within a few years he was promoted to supervisor; and subsequently a Branch manager. All this man needed was a little encouragement and a chance to start over.

The phrase, “by the book” was common, and clearly understood by all. It was a safe way to operate, but it was often abused by leaders without compassion for people, or who did not want to make a decision or were afraid to take chances. The most effective leaders understood that it is not possible to write rules for every possible circumstance, and that every situation can not be resolved with a black or white answer. There are a lot of gray areas, many exceptions which should be made and situational flexibility that must be exercised. One of the worse phrases ever developed in this country is “zero tolerance”. A zero tolerance policy undermines the authority of judges and courts and removes humanity from workplace decisions. Every situation and event is different and should be dealt with individually.

I’m glad God doesn’t build a file on us……I’m glad our sins are removed as far as the east is from the West……I’m glad we can “start over” every day with a new heart and a fresh start.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9)

I Don't Understand

I have sons who are computer savvy and on many occasions they have attempted to explain something about the computer to me, without success. I’m usually more confused when they finish that I was in the beginning. I’ve also had grandsons attempt to instruct me in the proper use of my DVD player, and the accessories on my cell phone without much success. I sometimes feel that the modern conveniences have left me in the dark ages. It’s good I’m retired and don’t have to understand, I can just call them when I have a problem. I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be to them when they can’t get through to me or make me understand; they must wonder how I’m able to find my way in out of the rain all by myself.

I’m glad the Lord understands the limitations of this finite mind. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8&9) When Habakkuk the prophet questioned God he was told “I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told to you”. (Habakkuk 1:5) Knowing we are unable to understand as He does, many things are not revealed to us. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law”. (Deuteronomy 29:29)

God’s plan for our life has been presented to us simply so that a child can understand, but we insist on trying to complicate things. We need to remember the acronym, “KISS (keep it simple stupid)”. He gave us the law in ten simple commandments that a child can understand, and we have managed to expand them into thousands of thousands of laws, many that even our lawyers can’t understand.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah said, “what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8) Jude, the brother of James, identified only seven (7) duties for Christians; study the Bible; pray in the Spirit; watch for the second coming; keep yourself holy; be charitable; win souls; and hate sin. (Jude 20-23)

I think we would be better off if we left the secret things in God’s hands and focused our attention on following our simple instructions.