Ten Commandments of Working in a Hostile Environment

by T.D. Jakes

In this empowering book, based on his bestselling video series, T.D. Jakes shows readers how to use Christian principles in the workplace, using faith as the key to happiness and productivity. Bishop Jakes explains how people can rise above petty conflicts, turn obstacles into opportunities, and let God do His work in their lives every day-even when they're coping with complaining co-workers or difficult bosses.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Religion

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Bishop T.D. Jakes is the author of the bestsellers God's Leading Lady; The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord; Maximize the Moment; The Great Investment; His Lady; Woman, Thou art Loosed (the film of which won the Best Film Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival) and He-Motions. His daily morning show The Potter's Touch and weekly broadcast The Potter's House air on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television, as well as in Europe and South America. Bishop Jakes is the founder and pastor of The Potter's House, one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation, where he leads an interracial congregation of more than 28,000 members. He lives in Dallas with his wife and five children.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

With everything I am dealing with at my job, this book is a great help to remind me that God has everything in control. To everyone who wishes to read this book, it is well worth it. Pastor T.D. Jakes reminds you that you are on a mission for your Heavenly Father and that all the trials and tribulations that shall come and pass are all tests to better you for God's bigger plan!

[Miriam Kinai · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 10 Commandments of Working in a Hostile Environment reminded me to pray and rely on God for recognition and promotion as well as to fill myself with Scriptures to prevent mental distress and to view my workplace as God’s training ground for my future assignment and not as my final destination.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good, practical advice for a Christian in the workplace. Our jobs take up so much of our life, yet pop culture has us treat work as a burden, not as a calling. This is a positive approach to living out our calling, even when we know that this is not where we're feeling fulfilled. God is teaching us and using us in the midst of adversity. The writing style is pretty "folksy" and there's a lot of repetition, but the ideas and the 10 Commandments are pretty sound and definitely worth remembering on those days where you want to run screaming out of work.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up when dealing with some tough issues at work. I really appreciated the advice, and by the close of the book, I was feeling really good. I wound up listening to Jakes on TV as a result.

[Dijorn Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop Jakes gives sound advice for being able to navigate through a hostile/stressful environment. He helps the reader to refocus their attention on their overall purpose and how their current job can aide in their destiny. Excellent book!

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, practical advice to maintain a healthy mental and work environment.

[Anna Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bishop Jakes makes some interesting points but I didn't feel all that inspired after reading it.

[Kelly Galimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great refection on how to see the workplace as a place for spiritual growth and renewal.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

On a wisdom level, very insightful. There are many passages with which I will walk away a little more enlightened. On a writing level, it just wasn't as deep and personal as I've come to expect from Bishop Jakes. Unfortunately, those are some of the greatest qualities of his books, so this one was a little bit of a let down.

Definitely a good read even if you are a stay-home mom. These are principles you can apply to multiple areas of life and countless circumstances.

I've read most of what he has written, and so this was just one on my list, but I would recommend it highly, so don't let my star count get you down!

[Kami · Rating 4 out of 5]

My co-worker had leant me this book as she and I have both been facing a lot of the same stresses at work with regards to certain 'strong' personality types. T.D. Jakes does a wonderful job here in helping explain why some people in the work place act the way they do and how you can learn to better cope with them. After reading his book I felt uplifted and had a better understanding of those around me.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Majority of jobs come with various environments and peoples with a whole lot of different personalities. People or either tolerable or not for you. However this book will definitely help you cope and be able to deal with it all without losing your mind.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a guide through a tumultuous time in my life dealing with a job experience. I definately would suggest it to anyone and I will read it again.

[Danielle Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read about three times while working in a hostile environment!! Quit and went back to working for myself!! :-)

[J Maisie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "must-have" for anyone whether you work in a hostile environment or not!

[Christy Dunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this while I was deployed...hostile as it gets right? Lol...life changing book! I never looked at my situation the same again.

[Crystal Walker-pirtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my perspective at work. Now I'm creating a study for my church on this.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome, lots of words of wisdom and food for thought. Need to put to use!

[Brandy Funk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continually look back at this book for guidance.

[Eniola Adefioye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive. No matter where I find myself, I can fulfil my purpose. Its never about me

[Sabrina]

While I am blessed not to work in a hostile environment, this book is still insightful.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a seminary class. I highly recommend it for those in management positions, for profit and non-profit which includes churches. It sheds light on some of the work place dynamics.

[Jacqueline Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable professional development resource. I pull it out and reference it again and again!

[Sunshine Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books written by T.D. Jakes. I have watched the sermon series by the same name. So, I was excited to read "Ten Commandments of Working in a Hostile Environment."

"You are in your present position for a reason" (pg. 13).

Jakes offers valuable insights into the working world, as well as using Biblical stories to reiterate his points.

"You have been anointed by God to do what you are doing" (pg. 14).

The Introduction is called: Help Wanted
The Conclusion is called: Exit Interview

There are Ten Commandments covered in each of the ten chapters. Such commandments are: 'Know that you are anointed for the job or the position you now hold!' (First Commandment), 'Embrace opportunities for change (Third Commandment), 'Where you are is not where you are going' (Seventh Commandment).

"God has placed within us everything we need for the level we are at and the anointing to take us to the next" (pg. 205).

The author addresses such topics as: Dress for Success, Next-level Living, Remember the Sabbath, and eyes on the Prize.

After the chapters, T.D. Jakes offers up a helpful prayer that can encourage you in your faith.

"It doesn't matter where you start. It only matters where you finish!" (pg. 19).

In Chapter Six, Jakes talks about working in Ministry and how there can be stress and disagreements and challenges even working in a Christian environment. I also work in a Ministry organization and this passage encouraged me as I also deal with difficult personalities at my job.

"You will wake up each morning knowing your life is purposeful and your job has meaning" (pg. 215).

A great book. I highly recommend!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not in the "me too" category, but I think this book should be required reading for those involved in that movement.

[Stephanie Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great lesson

[Southern Girl]

Good information

A friend recommended this book. I thought the information provided was good. I will gift this book to others. I recommend.

[ANNETTE ANDERSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a wonderful written book. I loved all the commandments and the fantastic information and prayers that was provided. This is a great read.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read half of this book in 2007. It was empowering, comforting, and kept me working in a good job that used my interests and abilities to share and help people despite the politically charged environment.
I saw the book sitting in one of my dusty piles and it was calling to me to read it. I finished the book in one sitting. The biblical quotes legitimize the advice. It also gave me hope that I can move on, but it will be in God's time. I pray for direction to know and ACT on "the things I can change and the wisdom to know the difference."
My word for the year is "patience." And if I intuitively don't know what to do, I WAIT until I know.

[Lauren Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! This book was eye opening of my current workplace. Even if you don’t work in a hostile environment, I still recommend it to be aware.

[Tunde Fakunle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all employees