Hi, its great to see you here again!
Well maybe this title is a little bit extreme, but if you are reading this article then I got your attention 
A Pleasant Work Experience
One thing is for sure, if our relationships with our work associates are pleasant, then our time at work is more agreeable and enjoyable. Let’s face it, many of us spend 30-40 hours and more a week at work.
How quickly that time can fly by when you can enjoy your work and have fun with your associates. But when there is tension, gossip, bickering and other negative attitudes surrounding you that can be another story.
By now you may be saying, yea I know it is much nicer to work with good relationships on the job but you just don’t know my boss, or if you could just see coworker “Joe Bloe” in action!
Diversity
Diversity is both good and challenging. Diversity of cultural backgrounds amongst our workmates gives us exposure to new ways of thinking, new experiences and if we are willing to be open this can only enhance our lives. However, this same diversity can also create conflicts.
Each culture (whether it be country, race or family – yes each family has its own culture too), often has a tendency to think that “their way” is the “only way”. This can cause conflicts if we are not flexible.
Now remember only flexible objects bend and can spring back while hard rigid objects can only break making it harder if not impossible to spring back.
Yep – not all people are easy to get along with. In fact even the Apostle Paul in the Bible stated in Romans 12:18 (New International Version) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Another words, make sure YOU are not causing the problem.
Now of course that does not mean you wont be unjustly accused of causing a problem (when the accuser has the real problem because he/she is inflexible, bitter, controlling etc).
I plan on taking some time within this category to share some tips on creating a better workplace with happier co-workers (as far as it depends on you), and how to at least keep the peace with those “impossible” associates.
Today’s Tip: Live and Let Live
I remember reading a couple of novels Mrs. ‘Arris Goes To Paris : Mrs. ‘Arris Goes To New York
There is a truth in this statement. We can strive to be a positive influence on people, but we cannot decide for them. They themselves decide what they want to think, how they want to behave, act and react. In other words, they are where they want to be (as we are). But let’s make sure YOU and I are where we really WANT to be.
So what can YOU do to live at peace with everyone?
- Check your own attitudes. Do YOU have a problem with someone at work?
- Is there an attitude in me I need to adjust, so that this person cannot affect me in this way?
- Am I willing to make the required changes in my attitude? (i.e. Am I willing to strive to be at peace with all men, whether they reciprocate or not)
- Am I allowing this person to influence me? control me? (If you find yourself reacting negatively because of this person’s attitude, then you are allowing them to control you).
- Am I willing to take the challenge to be myself, stay positive despite anything that might be said or done around me? (This is going to mean being willing to forgive many times and make sure you don’t get dragged into gossip and negative attitudes).
Well something to think about today – would love to hear your comments, questions and suggestion as to what areas of work relationships you would like to see tackled here.
May All Your Relationships be Successful!
