Going along is the safe bet; let people talk first, follow the majority, keep your personality filtered. Be enthusiastic about what is good for your career, social life and keep any criticism to yourself. Do extra hours to get extra credits, like to be liked back…
Is it really playing it safe though?
How Long Can It Last?
The increase in burnouts shows that this system is not working anymore, both for employees and for managers. The former becomes less and less engaged and reactive and the latter will become stricter as a reaction to the general passivity that can take place.
Among the risks are: a decrease in productivity, more absenteeism and a general decrease in collective intelligence. Spending the day between your work, your phone and negative thoughts would keep anyone’s head in the clouds and unfocused.
Communicate, express yourself
“The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing.” Edmund Burke
Is this quote bit over the top? Not if you consider there is no evil, only pain. It is rare for people to offend simply to offend, or are defensive without reason. Actions, or the lack of, is more a result of pain and stress at some point.
When expressing yourself, keep a positive goal, which is the difference between communication and spreading anger and frustration.
Do not go criticizing a system simply to get it off your chest. Criticize to improve results, team spirit, collaboration, the environment, culture, art, kindness, awareness, humor and so much more… do it for a reason!
An issue served with a side dish of solution and optimism makes a better meal.
Use your energy to understand and get involved
When facing an issue, express yourself. If something is not clear, ask. Less energy is required to understand a process than to force ourselves to follow an attitude that is not clear or does not feel right.
Finally, please take the words below with you, as they offer a few guidelines to be in peace with yourself and others, written by Mexican writer Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías, and entitled The Four Agreements:
• Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love..."
• "Don't make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life..."
• "Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering..."
• "Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret..."
Source: The Four Agreements by Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías
Pictures: Pixabay
