August 2026

Topic 3 D2

I agree that leaders often rely on performance metrics, which can lead to burnout or toxic workplace competition. My boss just promoted me today, which encourages me to keep improving and developing my character outside the restaurant. He noticed how willing I was to put in time at the restaurant while we’re closed — knowing I wouldn’t be making any tips because we’re closed on Mondays. My boss knew I was looking for work during this post-grad season of my life, and a job is exactly what I’ve been praying for since before I even knew I would qualify to graduate this past spring. God knew that I needed a good boss who would essentially mentor me, and he saw a path. God, that I have Mr. Phil. There’s a spiritual connection between me and my job, shaped by God. Though I don’t know how long I will be at this restaurant, the company has left a lasting impression on my life, especially because of the timing—the company and I crossing paths (for however long I stay). I can tell my boss has a good heart. He’s just stressed a lot of the time, and because I see him genuinely — how he moves and how he holds himself — I begin to look up to this guy who pays me. I can tell he’s led by the Holy Spirit, especially when I’m not feeling the restaurant and my coworkers—the Lord reminds me why I’m there, and he uses the people there to connect me with him in the way he requires. As a Christian, the hospitality business challenges me, especially when customers reject my service and respond negatively. As Christians, we are stewards of the gospel, and we must be teachable — always with an open ear and a meek character, yielding to the Holy Spirit. Christianity does not worship any other payment than the one that Jesus made on the cross. Christianity is not the love of money. It is following Christ. The free market is exactly as it’s named — free; as in free space to do whatever you need to do, enter into contracts or deals, and trade with whoever you wish. The free market does not humble itself around money the way those who participate in the Christian religion most likely would. Money can be flashed in your face, but how long do you chase it before you become a rat looking for cheese? Judas jumped toward the money, and it wasn’t enough to ease the guilt he felt, which eventually drove him to kill himself. 

We have been pursuing the wrong objectives. How can we find the right direction? (Doerr, 2018). Objectives and key results form a straightforward goal-setting system that emphasizes excellent execution (Doerr, 2018). Truly transformative teams merge their ambitions and passions into a clear purpose (Doerr, 2018). Effective adjectives are specific, action-oriented, and inspiring (Doerr, 2018). Organizations should ask themselves: What actions does your passion inspire you to take? (Doerr, 2018). The goal is to select the right objective carefully and remain committed to it year after year (Doerr, 2018). Are our metrics aligned with our lives? Do our values show up in our objectives and key results? (Doerr, 2018). OKRs can be applied beyond organizations—in families, schools, and governments—by holding the necessary parties accountable, accessing relevant information, and setting and achieving meaningful goals. Leaders can balance performance incentives by implementing benefits that match employees’ or members’ lifestyles or improve them. Excessive competition can be harmful when an organization or company has set an objective. When goals are specified and set strategically, the organization and/or company can gain. My boss, Mr. Phil, is a very intelligent and experienced businessman who has built his career through many assets. He knows exactly what he wants, and as employees of his restaurant, we know that the main goal is to make money while celebrating the community and people surrounding the operation he runs. After he interviewed me, he offered me the position I knew I needed. I haven’t been looking for toxic competition between my coworkers and me—if anything, I’ve been looking for a space where I can escape my other problems outside of work, make money, and eventually put pieces of my life back together. It’s been ethical that my boss has been looking for a way to make up for the fact that he knows I’m an underdog and that I don’t feel the need to prove it. There are other leaders at the restaurant under him, but God has shown me enough favor to sit next to him. Mr. Phil knew that I was overqualified when I got hired. God has been using him to bless my life more than any temporary job could. God is giving me space to integrate real life into graduate studies, expanding my knowledge while reminding me that I cannot lean on my own understanding. (I know I’m past the word limits, but I’d rather write something that’s meaningful to me based on what I’m processing from the material and experience.) 

Doerr, J. (n.d.). Why the secret to success is setting the right goals. John Doerr: Why the secret to success is setting the right goals | TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/john_doerr_why_the_secret_to_success_is_setting_the_right_goals