BOOKER THINKING on LEADERSHIP and LIFE

GODLY LEADER MOMENT#3, Insanity in Conflict
“…You have heard, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemies’. But I tell you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that; and if you greet only your brothers what are you doing better/more than others?…” MATTHEW 5:43

This scripture has particular significance to all of us in the workplace (as well as every part of our lives huh?) This reminds me of something I wrote a few years ago regarding working with ‘others’. The article focused on the challenge of working with those we don’t get along with - are in conflict with - or let’s just say the relationship is less than good! Loving those with whom we work can be tough but we are called to do so huh? Maybe HE would accept us just liking them and getting along with these others?

We all have these people in our lives from time to time; the challenge is to address them as quickly as possible to get that stress out of our lives. For me it is about the insanity of working side by side with this ‘bad relationship’ day after day after day after day (like that Groundhog Day movie). I believe we become numb to them and lose focus on just how much they are impacting us and those around us/them.

Leaders are REALLY needed in these situations. Yes, the personal leadership of solving these relationships in YOUR life, but also as a leader of those you manage & supervise in the workplace. He/she/they need you to get involved and facilitate real resolution. YOU are needed to get them out of this insanity, when they can’t/won’t by themselves. Leaders may not deal with conflict for some of the following reasons “…it is personal, not my business…they will work it out… I don’t know how to facilitate resolution… fear of taking sides or judging one over the other… I will just make it worse, or…I don’t have time to mess with it, etc…”

The reality is that we must deal with these relationships - it is your (leader’s) job! For the record, it is ALWAYS your business! Why? ...because people in conflict, to some degree negatively impact productivity, communication, relationships, morale …need I say more? HOW you do it may seem challenging, however the first step is to be committed and persist in not letting them (conflicts, baggage and bad relations) exist on your team. That’s what you are paid the big bucks for, isn’t it?

OK, soooooooo how are you dealing with THOSE in your life right now personally? How good would it feel to have that relationship(s) solved? If you are like me, when THOSE get solved, it is like the weight of the world is off your shoulders and life is soooo much better. As you begin to hesitate or procrastinate about taking action with him/her, remember that HE (Matthew 5:43) directs us to do so. 

God’s best to you and yours this day, BOOKER