Even in organizations where
coworkers generally work well together, personal agendas can threaten to derail
a seemingly stable project. Worse, team
members might not even recognize how their baggage is destabilizing the collective
effort. When individuals are aware of
how their personal assumptions and judgments align with the goals of a given
project, misunderstandings are prevented and the project runs more smoothly.
Often employees may be unaware of
their own agendas or believe that following them are in the best interest of
the project. During these moments honesty,
respect, and trust are key to identifying what is stopping the work process,
owning personal motives and agendas, and moving the project to completion.
Honesty is double edged. Each person must be insightful enough to name
how their personal agendas, judgments, and perceived needs may be preventing
collective creation. This is internal
work that need not be shared with others. Rather, the understanding of what is getting
in the way of working in the group’s collective consciousness is an internal
awareness. Each team member’s intent is
to be aware of when their agenda prevents them from working effectively with
others.
In times when individual agendas get
tangled in with the collective agenda, in order to avoid deeply ingrained
conflict, honest is required. Compassionate
gentleness is required to honestly pose questions to others. With an open mind and an expanded heart,
questions are asked in non-threatening ways.
Perhaps it is believed that someone
is unable to move forward because of a personal judgment or assumption. Or, two people who have diametrically opposed
ideas may find it difficult to work together.
Posing questions compassionately encourages non-defensive
responses. The chance of reconciliation
and respect increases; feeling threatened or defensive decreases.
Honesty need not be hurtful. Speaking with the intent for the good of all
requires honesty coupled with respect. While
each person may not agree with everyone, choosing respect creates a bridge that
leads to understanding. Respect unlocks
the gateway to collective consciousness.
This is where the true work can be accomplished. Within the collective consciousness, all
members hold unified values and work toward the common good. Trust of one another is a value in this
mindset.
Another aspect of the collective
consciousness is the creation of a safe space.
The best work, individually and collectively, occurs when team members
feel safe. Trusting that others will not
be harsh or hypercritical is implicit. What another says is heard is saying
differently. Words that may have seemed
hurtful now become critiques accomplished with compassion. Listening with respect is the norm. Each member understands and trusts that decisions
will not be made haphazardly.
Honestly, respect, and trust create
an atmosphere where the effects of personal agendas are diminished and
production increased. Each works toward
a common goal trusting that the way to achieve it is dynamic and flexible. Personal agendas are respected but prevented
from derailing projects.
Vanessa F. Hurst is a community builder who works
with organizations to identify compassion aspects of their culture and to
create a collaborative environment. She
consults with organizations to strengthen relationships with current
stakeholders and invites new stakeholders to the community.
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