Grace in the Workplace

by John Keyser

I am taken by a friend’s comment earlier this week about grace in the workplace.

Grace as a noun means elegance, and as a verb, we grace others with our presence. Certainly grace in the workplace is many things – our good behavior, respect, honor, integrity and reliability.

My friend mentioned that there is a great deal of speaking behind people’s backs in her office, which of course is negative energy and an illness that reduces the enthusiasm and effectiveness of the entire team and eventually the organization.

My friend purposefully stays clear of negative talk about a co-worker. She knows it is not right and she believes there is a place for grace in the workplace!

She is absolutely right! Talking behind people’s backs, speaking negatively about senior management or the home office, complaining, and being a pessimist serves no helpful purpose. In fact, it reflects negatively on us.

Have an issue with someone?  Have the fortitude to speak directly and privately with that person, ideally in a helpful manner.

Let’s face it. This is a very common problem. Morale in business is generally low. Is it the fault of senior management not showing appreciation for their people, not asking for their ideas, not paying them fairly, ignoring problems, or not helping them learn, grow and advance?  Yes, sometimes. Low morale is caused by the insecurity, lack of understanding effective leadership practices, or even the greed of senior management.

And sometimes it is simply that the top people are too busy and do not connect with the people of their company (an absence of grace).

We’ve all heard these pieces of advice:

If you see a problem, offer a solution.

          Be the change you want to see.

          If you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say   anything at all.

I am appreciative of my friend and the simplicity of her principle, that there is a place for grace in the workplace.

We should all follow her lead!  We would be helping to improve the spirit of our teammates and organization.  Let’s be respectful and a source of positive energy, and only positive energy.