Biblical Reference: Ruth 3:14–18
Leading in uncertain economic climates: shifting federal budgets, compliance overhauls, or fluctuating interest rates, creates panic. When management or board members are wrestling with high-stakes decisions, mid-level executives and division directors often make one of two catastrophic mistakes:
- Overstepping authority, manufacturing frantic side solutions, and creating unnecessary chaos.
- Checking out, complaining about a lack of vision from the top, and letting operational balls drop.
But, when we look at Naomi’s counsel to Ruth in verse 18 after Boaz sent her home with six measures of barley: “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” We see that the advice was to “wait.”
“Waiting” in the Bible is never passive. In the story, the author didn’t say Ruth went to bed to wait. Instead, she stood ready fully positioned to learn how the legal matter would be resolved at the city gate. She trusted the character of the leader managing the crisis, but she stayed active in waiting, getting prepared.
Managing up effectively requires understanding that true authority needs space to navigate complex issues. If you work under an executive team, founder, or board of directors wrestling with a major pivot, your role isn’t to hijack the steering wheel out of anxiety. Your calling is to be the steady, faithful anchor who keeps the day-to-day operations flawless while they negotiate the outcome.
Where are you currently projecting anxiety onto your CEO, board, or direct report? Are you getting yourself ready to position yourself to execute the moment they settle the strategy? Give your leaders the quiet confidence that you trust them.
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