Authority and the Appeal

I used to work in an environment where I was being told what to do by four people: the CEO, the President, the CFO and the Director. Each thought his project was the most important. I was placed in a position where serving not two, but four masters was a daily occurrence. It added a great deal of stress to my position.

I finally went to the CFO, who was supposed to be my immediate supervisor, and requested that arrangements be made where I could answer to one person. All tasks would flow through my immediate supervisor. The result was a great deal of freedom and a decrease in stress.

My immediate supervisor provided a level of protection from the inquisitions and demands of others. He knew what I was working on and had the opportunity to set my priorities.

Even in the best of circumstances, conflicts in priorities will arise. Authority provides the solution. A quick trip to the bosses office to ask, “Boss, I realize all of these tasks are important, but which would you like me to accomplish first?” This places the responsibility on his shoulders. If the President comes knocking on your door to ask why you have not finished his pet project, you point your finger to your bosses office and say, “Sir, my boss indicated that this task should be done first, and I have devoted my energies in that direction.”

If the President then directs you differently, say “Yes, sir” and then make sure you immediately explain to your supervisor that the President of the company changed your priorities.

Your boss has two choices at that point: (1) to accept the President’s new direction, or (2) go to the President himself and appeal. Meanwhile, you’re working on the President’s project.

Why?

It all has to do with God’s design for authority in our lives. Now I didn’t come up with the concept, but rather am affirming that I have found it to be true and very beneficial to those that follow God’s design.

One of the most difficult things in life is to maintain a balance in all things. A situation occurred once when working on a film project where the producer of the show handed me several hundred dollars, asked me to run by the grocery store and pick up several cases of beer for the wrap party and began naming off several various brands and labels. I was on the clock.

(The purpose of this example is not to argue for or against alcohol but to illustrate a principle of authority.) Personally, I have a strong conviction against drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind. Immediately, I knew that I could not complete this assignment and maintain a clear conscience. What did I do? I appealed to the producer. “Sir, I understand your intention for asking me to do this. Your desire is to provide enjoyable refreshment for the crew after a long days work. Personally, I have a strong conviction against consuming alcohol and would not be able to purchase this for others.”

He pulled me aside. “Now, Dan, I know why you say that, but I’m not asking you to drink any, just buy it.” He paused. “What are you going to do if your on the set of a big movie and some big-time producer asks you to do this? If you say no, he might fire you no the spot.”

I’m sure he was relating his own feelings at that moment. He awaited my response. “Sir,” I said, “if you need to fire me right now, I understand, but I could not violate my own convictions.”

He looked at the floor. I can remember it as vividly now as if it were happening. Several seconds went by which seemed like minutes. Finally he looked up. “If you feel that strongly about it, I’ll get someone else to do it. Some people don’t even have convictions.” He turned and walked away.

The moral of the story…there’s always perfect balance to God’s design. When an authority asks you to do something contrary to God given convictions, God has provided for the appeal process.