Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jim was angry. His Christmas bonus was the usual $2,500. Cody's bonus was also $2,500. Cody had yet to meet his quota in sales. Jim had worked diligently to exceed his quotas. Jim felt hurt and decided to quit. His boss called him in and told him he had gotten calls inquiring about Jim's job performance. Was Jim thinking of quitting? Jim swallowed hard. He had worked with Tom for five years and they had a great relationship, sailing together in the summer and taking their families on a ski trip one winter. He decided to be honest with Tom. Tom explained that he gave bonuses -- the same amount to everyone -- because the company was progressing and growing, not because an employee's performance was superior. Tom shared that even the matron and doorman got a bonus -- $2,500. It was Tom's father's policy when the company first got out of debt, and now it was Tom's policy. Tom reminded Jim that their paychecks and commissions reflected meeting quotas -- not their Christmas bonuses. Jim felt very ashamed. He considered the dif-ferences between himself and Cody. Jim's wife had a great job and they could afford lots of extras; Cody's wife stayed home to take care of four busy children. Cody spent lots of time with his family; Jim preferred spending time with his friends. Jim felt very grateful and humbled by an extensive list of possessions he mistakenly took for success. Jim buzzed Cody's desk. Would he want to spend time with Jim and his family at their cabin over Christmas break? Jim knew the time they spent together would be a learning and fun time. He looked forward to it.
-- Berg