I’m one of 12 heads of department (HODs) in a 200-staff organisation. We have a hybrid arrangement and work from home two days per week. However, there are teams not following this corporate rule and which come to the office once or twice a week. The HODs have agreed to enforce this rule but only half are doing so. Meanwhile, the rule abiders are demoralised by the double standards and management’s ineffectiveness. In fact, one of the bosses seem to be condoning the flouting of rules. The senior management is aware but nothing’s been done. I feel conflicted as a believer because I want to show integrity, strong work ethics and values, but I can’t help but identify with the unfairness. What should I do?
Joey says
Dear Conflicted,
You may wish to speak with the department responsible for enforcing this arrangement (I’m assuming it’s not yours) and let them know how this is affecting staff morale on the ground. What they do with that information is their responsibility. This is something that will have to be tackled at a leadership level and is outside your domain.
As an HOD, your task is to manage the people in your department to comply with the corporate rule and to motivate and lead the people under your charge. This, I believe, is how you show integrity, strong work ethics and values as a Christian. As the one overseeing your department, you can build a culture of agape love within the team, where there is trust, transparency and mutual support in the common pursuit of excellence. Put people first: care for your staff, nurture their growth, and help them to be the best they can be. If you do your job well and manage your department and your people well, it will be a good testimony to the rest of the organisation.
