Compassion is one benchmark of a robust,
productive workplace. To create a
culture of compassion, leaders don’t go into the workplace one morning and
mandate that it will be a place of compassion.
In order to foster this environment, collaboration becomes the way of
business as usual. When a workplace
fosters collaboration, engaging and helpful coworkers build a community of
compassion in overt and subtle ways.
Perhaps as a
major deadline looms closer and closer, tempers shorten and tension grows. There is a palatable feeling of discomfort among
coworkers. Those who aren’t directly
responsible for meeting the deadline feel the stress. They may discover their ability to accomplish
even simple tasks diminished.
In that moment
they have a choice. They can ignore the
mounting tension and withdraw into their own work assignments or they can
choose to help. Even if they choose to
withdraw, their output may be mediocre since the stress level in the office is
heightened. In a collaborative work
environment, the other choice is made.
With awareness,
coworkers may ask what they can do that will reduce the tension. What they do may directly indirectly impact
the completion of the project. Maybe
they show up with coffee or offer to answer the phone. Providing support in ways that are not
directly related to the project allows others to totally focus on the
deadline. This kind of support is also
non-tangible emotion support.
When possible a
coworker may be able to actually help with the project. Another set of eyes to proofread, making
copies, or listening for inconsistencies are ways to provide support. While other staff members are not integral
to the project completion, their support can be immeasurable to the mental and
emotional well being of the project’ team.
During times of
high stress lending a hand sows the seeds of cooperation. While all staff has specific
responsibilities, most position descriptions have a line “tasks as
assigned.” In a compassionate work
environment, those “assigned tasks” might be offering to help. When I worked at a retreat center, several
times a year national conferences were held.
Even though I was the marketing coordinating, I would find myself
stuffing folders before the event and bussing tables during meals. Not only was I able to provide needed
support, but, after the event, the staff reached a higher level of support and
camaraderie.
This willingness
to help a coworker or a team of coworkers strengthens the foundation of the
work community. Although team building occurs,
often without thought, in those day-to-day moments of helping, more structured
teambuilding activities create and strengthen the collective
consciousness. Within the collective
consciousness we share beliefs, ideas, and values. We see others as a part of the group not
as a part from the group.
Celebrating
special occasions like birthday and promotions shift relationships into a
deeper connection. Holding retreats in
which members get to know one another as individuals and as members of a team
increases an awareness of the individuals who work together. Using tools like personality inventories
coworkers learn about one another’s work and communication styles. Understanding and respect for differences is
gained.
Respect of
differences is a key to compassionate response.
This fuels our ability to work with others regardless of our perceived,
and their perceived, quirks. With each
moment of cooperation, team building, and lending a helping hand, a
collaborative environment is sustained.
The shift from seeing another as a cog, a replaceable part of a machine,
to real person occurs.
We become part of
a flourishing work environment. No
longer can a coworker ignore the stress of another when coworkers because real,
living beings. Each act of collaboration
is an act of compassion.
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