Causes of Conflict in the WorkplaceSýnishorn

Causes of Conflict in the Workplace – Part III

This week we’re discussing some of the causes of conflict in today’s workplace and looking at ourselves to see if any of them ring true of us. Another cause of conflict is deceit.

While working as a lender at a large bank, part of my job was to recruit new bank customers. On one occasion, after years of hard work, I finally landed an account from a high-profile company.

A superior of mine, however, looking to make a name for himself, learned of this new account and instructed that the bank assign the account to him. There was little I could do, and this person’s deceit caused an ongoing conflict between us.

Proverbs 6:14, speaking of troublemakers, says, "He who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up conflict."

Short-term glory can cause long-term conflict. Don’t be a deceiver who causes conflict.

Questions for Reflection:  

• A synonym for “deceit” is “misrepresentation.” In what areas can deceit run rampant in the workplace?  
• Deceit always requires some forethought or premeditation. Why is that?  
• Can you think of a Bible character who showed deceit when it came to planning wartime activities? (2 Samuel 11:14-15) What was the result of King David’s deceit?