Tension At WorkSample

Seek to Understand

We don’t like them, but unexpected problems and obstacles are part of the norm in the workplace. You have a plan. Stuff happens that disrupts your plan. You have more to deal with added to your plate. And all you can think is, “I don’t need this!”

Esther was accustomed to seeking Mordecai’s counsel face-to-face whenever she needed it. But suddenly Mordecai was mourning in sackcloth, which prohibited him from entering the king’s gate. Esther was not privy to the edict that had been sent out, so she had no idea what was going on. She could have let it go and waited until he was available again. She could have gotten upset and frustrated. Instead, she found a way to understand what was really going on.

It’s often tempting to avoid investing the time to ask questions about what’s really going on. When we lean on our own assumptions, it usually leads to misunderstandings – a breeding ground for conflict.

These situations are going to occur at work – probably every day. You can prepare yourself to manage the tension between reacting and responding prayerfully by having a strategy. Here are some things you can do to contribute to the best possible outcome.

• Assume good intent. Don’t assume the worst, and don’t take it personally. Put your assumptions and judgments aside and replace them with a desire to know the truth. (Matthew 7:1)
• Ask caring questions. We can’t know all of the facts until we ask. Focus on gaining understanding.
• Commit to a win-win outcome. Pause to consider the outcome you really want. It will make a huge difference in how you approach the situation.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to let go of my misconceptions, judgments and assumptions. Work in my heart so that my one desire is to see this situation from your eyes and want the best solution for all concerned. Give me a heart of compassion, like the one Jesus has for me. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Exploration

Read more about what it looks like to navigate office politics in a healthy way to increase your influence .