The moral conflict of being a Christian CEO during a recession
By Andre Davis

Running a profitable company and implementing God’s principles in the workplace is a tough balance during a regular economy. How much more challenging is it during a recession? When you have to manage cash flow, ask people to take pay cuts and worst yet delay payments to people who have worked for their money. A moral crisis can easily take place. As I think about the past 9 months I can’t help but second guess every decision I made. The funny thing about being in a recession is you convince yourself that it will turn around at any moment and you are only delaying your employees and contractor payments temporarily. However, when days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months it wears on your Spirit. As you get notes from people seeking to collect their hard earned money it can be emotionally devastating.


If this is something you’ve been wrestling with during this catastrophic economic recession I have some tips for you to make it through.

• Be transparent with people. Let them know financial situation your facing and be very cautious in making promises to pay. Stretch out payment dates further out then you actually plan to pay the individuals. Someone would much prefer to be paid early, then to be paid late. Additionally, when you miss a payment date it impacts your credibility, which in turn results in anger directed your way, and can lead to self-doubt and negatively increase your work performance.
• Increase your praise in the morning, take a mid day break, and an early evening break to specifically praise the LORD.
• Assure people that you are thankful for their commitment and investment they are making in your company and that when you make it to the other side you will take them with you and reward them for their loyalty and patience.