Building A Better Workplace CommunitySample

Building A Better Workplace Community - Part IV

Karyn Twaronite’s research on workplace community mentioned in Harvard Business Review provides practical tips on how to check in with colleagues effectively. One of her tips was to check bias at the door.

When checking in with a colleague, the discussion may turn to subjects that are challenging. Because of bias, we may not have ears to hear other people’s viewpoints. 

You may not agree with their viewpoint, but if you acknowledge their point of view and treat them with respect, it can have a big impact on your relationship and their sense of belonging.

1 Peter 2:17 teaches, Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

When checking in with others, show them the respect they deserve and reap the rewards of a caring community.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does the command, “honor the emperor” mean to you?

2. Are we to believe that we should not show love to people who are outside the “family of believers”? Why or why not?

3. How do you respond at work when others have differing opinions than yours? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for placing me in my current job. I confess there are times when I don’t appreciate it as I should. And there are times when I don’t take the time to show others the kindness and compassion they deserve. Sometimes my ideas seem more important to me and I fail to listen to or appreciate the ideas of others. Thank you for always being by my side even when I feel alone and disconnected. Help me be an agent for change in my workplace to help build a more positive workplace community. Amen.

How has another’s words or actions positively impacted you at work? Rick Boxx would love to hear about it! Email him at rick@unconventionalbusiness.org  to share with him directly! It may even provide inspiration for his next Integrity Moments workday devotional.