The people we work with side-by-side are important in many ways. Not only are they important to us for getting done what needs to be done, they are also important to us for how we feel about our jobs and wanting to be at work. Think back on a time where you didn’t like, or felt anxious about seeing someone at work when there was a conflict or a problem that was unresolved. That feeling in your stomach that is queasy each time you see them and the tightening of the muscles in your shoulders when you think about having to face them or talk to them, is no way to work, or much less, live. But, this is a reality for all of us at one time or another. The question we must ask ourselves is when this happens, how much of this is us and what can we do to avoid being in these situations? Work is hard enough without having to be concerned with how we get along with others, especially those who are sitting right next to us or in close proximity. The way organizations are set up fosters much of the conflict. Being rewarded on individual versus team performance, competitions for promotions, or recognition for work achievements based on time and work-life balance sacrifices all tend to create an environment that makes it easier for conflict to arise. What we can do is to take ourselves out of that arena and rise above it all on a higher walk. If we want to set the right example, then we are going to have to put aside ourselves for others. When John the Baptist told his disciples that there was One who was greater than he, he delivered that message for all of us. In John 3:30 he says, “He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less”. Not only was John telling us that Jesus needs to become the dominant force and meaning in our lives, he was also giving us an excellent life example of how to live our lives with our egos subordinated and realizing that ours is not to continue to grow greater and greater and greater. Today, is there someone around you who you need to mend or strengthen a relationship so that the tension is removed? Try building them up and allowing your own agenda to be set aside and see what happens.

Reference: John 3:30 (New Living Testament)