Matthew 26:41 (NKJV): “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

In management, and especially in the field of HR training and development, there is a professional discussion that goes something like this: “Which is most important, employee energy or employee know-how?” (I just finished a book on the history of U-Haul, and the founder brought this up all the time.) Of course, both are important, but if you had to prioritize, which would come first? 

Diverse opinions exist, but to me, the pendulum swings in the direction of employee energy. Why? Because if employees have the energy, they’ll be motivated to develop the know-how. If they already have the know-how, they'll have the energy to apply it, gain more know-how, and continuously grow in their expertise. 

By contrast, if employees have the know-how (whether through God-given talent, formal education and training, and/or work experience) but they don't have the energy, they won't apply what they know, and they won't be motivated to seek more knowledge and grow professionally.    

Today, how would you rate yourself on the energy scale? Are you maintaining a high level of enthusiasm and motivation ? Have you lost your zeal? Are you just "putting in your time" until you can find another job or retire? 

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1. In your opinion, which is more important, employee enthusiasm or employee know-how? Why?

2. In your career, is work enthusiasm or know-how driving you forward?

3. If employees lack enthusiasm, as a Christian manager, how will you help them regain their enthusiasm?