Today there is a recognized profession of administration. Members of this profession are generally responsible for planning, decision-making, and directing all or a portion of an organization. There are sophisticated theories of administration, complex administrative processes, and efforts toward developing a science of administration. But human knowledge and effort have often been found inadequate to meet the demands made on administrators in these challenging times.
For inspiration and guidance in the management of their personal affairs and the fulfillment of their professional responsibilities, students of Christian Science turn to the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy.
Christian Science teaches that God is the supreme power and authority. The understanding of this all-power rules out the supposed influence of opposing powers such as confusion, human will, pressure. Since he is always the perfect image and likeness of God, the real, spiritual man continuously expresses ability, intelligence, order, justice, wisdom, and other Godlike qualities. In the Bible we read, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Tim. 1:7;
There are a number of elements that would seem to limit the administrator's capacity to function adequately. One of the most insidious of these is fear, which would undermine one's sense of worth and discourage one when he most needs strength and support. To counter this intrusion, administrators can reexamine their motives and remember that to administer is to serve. True service is characterized by love, humility, and understanding, which originate in God, Principle. When administrators are in harmony with Principle, they know they have nothing to fear, because the heavenly Father eternally sustains His perfect reflection, man.
There is much concern about the pressure on administrators these days. Pressure is simply a form of fear based on the belief that one is somehow inadequate to a task. The suggestion may be insufficient ability, lack of inspiration, unreasonable expectations, or not enough time. Pressure is a product of material-mindedness, of unawareness of the spiritual fact that man is the peaceful reflex image of the allknowing, all-acting God. It is perfectly natural for a person to carry out capably, with his God-given wisdom and talents, his proper responsibilities.
There are times when an administrator feels vulnerable to forces beyond his control. In spite of the best planning and human action, one may be held accountable for such things as economic reverses or changes in the weather. It is reassuring to know that infinite Mind, God, is in complete control of every aspect of the administrator's responsibilities and that His law of justice negates supposed effects of chance or fate.
It is sometimes wise to locate potential trouble spots in order to initiate corrective action. However, it is important to avoid becoming mesmerized by latent problems. Working from the standpoint of God's absolute government of the universe, one can be alert to matters that warrant action. In this way one can preclude being overwhelmed by possible problems.
The diligent administrator may become subject to a false sense of responsibility. It may seem that the welfare of many employees, the efficient utilization of valuable resources, and astute planning for the future rest solely upon his shoulders. It is reassuring for one who relies consistently on prayer to realize that the heavenly Father does not place one in a position until one is capable of successfully fulfilling the responsibilities of that position. The administrator can know that his fundamental responsibility is to be an active witness to God's control—to pray, listen, and be obedient to infinite Mind's underring direction.
Sometimes conflict interferes with effective administration. This is often accepted as the inevitable result of the interaction of a number of human minds. In the Bible we read: "There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." I Cor. 12:5, 6; In reality, conflict has no source, no sustenance, no Principle, no power. One God, Mind, creates all and governs all. Peace and harmony are the natural order. When he understands this spiritual fact, the administrator can see each one in the office or organization as the child of God, expressing integrity, justice, and love.
Demands that seem impossible are sometimes made on administrators and their staffs. But when they concentrate on giving and serving rather than on getting things done, they can discover ample time and resources to accomplish everything necessary.
An administrator learned this when it seemed that unreasonable demands were being made on him and his staff. Because of overwork there was considerable resentment. The situation escalated; the administrator found himself working later each evening and losing sleep over the worsening problem.
One evening he decided to devote the evening to study and prayer rather than to further efforts to catch up. It became clear that he was focusing on getting—getting reports out on time, getting policies revised, and getting caught up—rather than giving of his time, consideration, love, interest, and experience. Then, thinking of his schedule for the following day, he wondered if the giving approach was really practical, because he had a number of appointments and much paper work that required attention. However, he decided to look away from the imposing material sense testimony and emphasize giving throughout the day.
The first appointment was with a man who made a request that could not be granted. Rather than quickly terminating the meeting as he would have done in the past, the administrator set aside the time element and tried to find some other way to assist the man. They spent forty-five minutes together discussing the serious problem that had prompted the request and exploring possible solutions. One solution seemed particularly promising to the man. He went his way much encouraged.
The administrator continued the new approach throughout the day appointments came up and staff members requested direction and assistance. He worked at his desk between appointments and interruptions without a sense of pressure or urgency. At the end of the day he was amazed that his desk was clear and two large office-wide projects that had been lagging had been completed. Furthermore, he was more relaxed and at peace than he had been for months.
What about promotions and office politics? The concepts of giving and serving are also applicable in this regard. Undue thought about promotion is actually worry about getting ahead. As one realizes that his real job is to actively express God's qualities, he finds himself giving highest priority to serving others. The natural by-product is prompt and orderly professional advancement. The administrator will neither be engaging in office politics nor feeling that his advancement is thwarted by other people. Mrs. Eddy writes of God, "He has mercy upon us, and guides every event of our careers." Unity of Good, pp. 3, 4;
Of the primary responsibilities of an administrator, one is to provide leadership. Little is known about what constitutes effective leadership. Christ Jesus led by example. His leadership was characterized by meekness, humility, and love.
And Mrs. Eddy once wrote of her leadership, "I found it essential, when the pastor of this church, to lead them by my own state of love and spirituality." We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, First Series, p. 31 ; Administrators, too, can turn daily, hourly, to infinite Mind for spiritual inspiration. They will then find themselves more naturally expressing God's wisdom, knowing confidently what to do and say, and demonstrating an effective sense of timing.
Among administrators there is a general consensus that personnel problems constitute some of the most taxing aspects of their responsibility. A wide variety of of perplexing issues can arise. It is often futile to attempt to deal with these as they are perceived humanly. One may feel that everything would be fine if only the employee would change. It is important, however, for the administrator to hold to the correct perception of everyone's present true selfhood as the perfect child of God.
Man's reason for existence is to express God's qualities and ideas. Everybody has some responsibilities that give him opportunities to apply the facts of spiritual being taught by Jesus. No matter how modest or impressive one's title and responsibilities may be, one's true job is to steadfastly listen for God's ever-present direction and obey it.
We do this by regular study and prayer, which prepare us to challenge persistent material sense testimony and accept the spiritual facts of each situation. Mrs. Eddy writes: "Christian Science demands order and truth. To abide by these we must first understand the Principle and object of our work, and be clear that it is Love, peace, and good will toward men." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 215.
Activity characterized by timeliness, balance, satisfaction, and benefits for all is experienced through inspired, consecrated prayer. Understanding divine Principle reveals the use of every moment for the greatest progress. Perceiving Soul imparts beauty and art, peace and joy, to endeavor. The appreciation of Mind confers more wisdom, and expanded consciousness and action. The understanding of Love governs the motives, aims, and ambitions. Discerning Spirit increases one's industry and independence.
Unquestionably, there is a need for capable administrators and managers. Bureaucracy is blamed for many of the ills of contemporary society. One who loves his fellowman and cares about how he is served possesses basic qualities for being a successful administrator. Joyfully, expectantly, the administrator can humbly place his hand in God's and proceed with each day's tasks.
This does not mean he will not have problems to solve and unexpected developments to cope with. But it does mean that as he harnesses human will and trusts God's direction, he will witness solutions that express the highest sense of right. Such employment in God's service is an exhilarating experience.
