Madonna - September / October 2005

WORKPLACE WITNESS

By being faithful to one's vocation in the workplace the kingdom of God is proclaimed, as the following story from Clara Louise illustrates.

My former boss has been a wonderful inspiration to me in the workplace. In a traditionally male job, within a culture that is highly political, reactive to the media, with a staff who feel pressured and under-resourced, Phil managed to lead the organisation through tough times. In a workplace where traditionally it was acceptable to drink heavily and engage in negative and sexist humour, Phil not only resisted the 'old school' but rather fostered an environment that encouraged change.

It wasn't that he preached about it or criticised others for what they did. He simply didn't do it himself. He was a strong leader: smart, compassionate, focused. Professionally he got the results we needed, and in all this he stayed centred on his marriage and his Catholic values.

Workplace witness. Photo by David Lovell.

How? Let me give you an example. At all our functions and conferences he was there with his beautiful wife Pam. He would give his speech, chat with the staff and leave with his wife before the drunkenness began. In four years I never once saw him intoxicated (as I have other bosses to the point of extreme embarrassment). He didn't drink at the pub after work as many others did, always going home to have dinner with his wife and children.

I never once heard him make negative remarks, even in jest, about his wife. After twenty-five years of marriage the love between them was obvious each time he mentioned her. Sometimes he would share memories of starting out with Pam as a young couple, the joys and woes of their early parenting days, the strain of the job on their home life. But always he spoke of her with warmth and affection.

In an environment where marriage is knocked and many marriages have split up, Phil always shone as a reminder of what married love can be. He would never know the impact he had on me and others—just by being true to his vocation.

Lord, may I give glory to your name simply by being faithful to my vocation, trusting that you will bring forth great good in the world from my small efforts to sow seeds of hope and love. Amen.