Causes of Conflict in the WorkplaceSample

Causes of Conflict in the Workplace – Part V

This week we’re discussing causes of conflict in today’s workplace. The last cause is obstinance.

Some people love to cause trouble. If you say yes, they say no.

As a junior loan officer, I presented loan proposals to the bank’s loan committee. One of the members of the committee prided himself on being contrary. 

Even if the loan request was agreeable to everyone else, this gentleman would disagree and criticize the presenter. His demeanor caused great conflict at times and damaged many relationships.

Proverbs 16:28 teaches, "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." 

The word perverse means obstinate or a troublemaker. If you tend to be obstinate, work on being more agreeable. It will enhance your relationships.

Questions for Reflection:  

• How can you tell if you’re disagreeing – as we all do and must at times – or being obstinate?   
• What keyword in Proverbs 16:28 separates those who disagree from those who are being obstinate?   
• Asking the Lord to check our motives may be one way to know if we are being obstinate. What are some other ways we might tell?
  

Dear Lord, Heavenly Father, we praise you because you know all things. You know our thoughts before we think them, our words before we say them, our actions before we plan them. You know our motivations. We confess we aren’t always aware of our actions and behaviors and the impact they are having on our workplaces. Thank you for gently pointing them out to us and guiding and leading us so that we are better able to get along with others. Guide us in all righteousness for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Want to know how well you’re integrating your work with your Christian faith? Take our LEADING Assessment. This short (less than 10-minute) questionnaire will produce results immediately and show you where you’re doing well and where you could improve. Click HERE to get started.