Enlisting Peace in Workplace

Transcription

1 Enlisting Peace in Workplace Productivity Marianne Farag, Sublimity: Pathways to Peace Enlisting Peace in Workplace Productivity Presenter: Marianne Farag

2 Topics to be Covered Learning Objectives of the Presentation Foundational Principles Understanding peace in the Workplace Ego s Role as a Driver of Behaviour/Communication Benefits of Peace in the Workplace Fostering Positive Interactions The Way Forward Closing Reflections Resources Additional Information 3 Objectives of the Presentation The session will show participants: how to recognize peaceful from non peaceful interactions; tools for cultivating peace at work; and how to be a role model for peace in the workplace. 4

3 Three Foundational Principles Change in the quality of our interactions in the workplace starts with understanding what drives behaviour and communication patterns. We cannot control the way others behave but we can control how we interpret and react to how others interact with us. Once we understand that we shape our experiences we are in a better position to govern our peace in the workplace. 5 Peace in the Context of the Workplace What is the state of peace? 6

4 Peace in the Context of the Workplace Maintaining harmonious interactions among and between employees at all levels within an organization. 7 Peace and Related Wellness Concepts Peace Mental Health Well Being Balance/Harmony Undisrupted by Negative Behaviour/Energy Psychiatric Disorders Health Happiness Prosperity 8

5 Relationship Between Peace and Emotional Intelligence Peace An Outcome Balance/ Harmony Undisrupted by Negative Behaviour/ Energy Emotional Intelligence A Technique Defined as the ability to: monitor one's own & other people's emotions; discriminate between different emotions & label them appropriately; & use emotional info. to guide thinking & behavior. Key Features Knowing one's emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and recognizing their impact on others. Controlling /redirecting one's disruptive emotions & impulses & adapting to changing circumstances. Considering other people's feelings especially when making decisions & managing relationships. 9 The Ego A Key Driver of Behaviour/Communication The I, the Self, the thinking and feeling you is the ego. Ego is what gives us conscious awareness of ourselves and the world that is external to us. 10

6 The Positive Ego Gives us the ability to: be self aware, grow and evolve, aspire to achieve goals, turn ideas into action, be creative, and protect ourselves from danger. 11 The Negative Ego An exaggerated sense of our selfimportance. A feeling of superiority or inferiority to others. 12

7 The Negative Ego In the workplace, conflict will endure for as long as our ego chooses to feel that our sense of self worth is at stake when the ideas or recommendations we put forth are not adopted. 13 Signs of a Negative Work Environment Tendencies among employees towards: constant complaining; passive aggressive behaviours (e.g. sabotaging); lack of enthusiasm; being less reliable/less committed to getting the job done; not setting a good example for others; and a general lack of loyalty to the workplace. 14

8 Signs of a Positive Work Environment Maintaining objectivity in dealing with employees/colleagues (e.g., finding out the facts of a situation before jumping to conclusions). Addressing situations where an individual or group is being ganged up on, discriminated against or bullied. Communicating mindfully with a focus on brokering resolution to differences (i.e., your words and how you express yourself matter). 15 The Impact of Peace in the Workplace Immediate Impact Intermediate Impact Long Term Impact Contributes to Good Physical Health Contributes to Good Mental Health Contributes to Well Being Improved Employee Morale Reduced Absenteeism /Long Term Leave Reduced Employee Benefit Costs Improved Employee Retention Improved Effectiveness (customer service) Increased Profit Margin 16

9 Can You Make A Difference? Do you believe that every time you interact with another you have the potential to have a positive or negative effect/impact on them? 17 You Can Make a Difference! Responsible Self Awareness: Conducting yourself in a manner that is mindful of the fact that you affect/impact each person you interact with. 18

10 The Way Forward For All SELF TALK AND SELF CONTROL Taming negative ego responses begins with reminding yourself that, everything is not always about you! 19 The Way Forward For All SELF TALK AND SELF CONTROL Begin the work day with an affirmation that you can also repeat to yourself in the midst of a stressful situation. E.G. you might repeat to yourself something like: I will listen and respond objectively; I will seek clarification in each situation before I respond; I will focus on communicating the behaviour I expect from others rather than lashing out; or I will not get hooked into other people s negative behaviour. 20

11 The Way Forward For All SELF TALK AND SELF CONTROL Practice mindfulness meditation with the intention to interact positively with others. Even if five or ten minutes of a lunch/coffee break are devoted to such a meditation it will, over time re educate the ego! 21 The Way Forward For All SELF STUDY AND TRAINING Pursue self study/training on the subject of ego behaviour. Seek training on organizational values & ethics/codes of conduct (e.g., honesty, integrity, respect). Seek training on how to listen and respond to others without reacting impetuously from a place of your personal triggers i.e. responding without aggression, quick temperedness, etc. 22

12 The Way Forward For All FOCUS ON OUTCOMES Before you say or do something, ask yourself, what do I want to happen as a result of my words or behaviour. i.e., What outcome and impact am I seeking? FIND A MENTOR/COACH Model your behaviour on someone who you think is doing a good job of keeping their ego positive. Find someone you trust who is willing to be a coach to you by giving you periodic feedback. 23 The Way Forward For Employers MOTIVATION + ABILITY = CHANGE Sources of Transformation 24

13 The Way Forward For Employers Mentorship and coaching to enhance interpersonal skills. Awareness raising sessions on peace in the workplace and how to practice it. Values and ethics/codes of conduct as a vehicle for peace in the workplace. Employee Learning Plans and Annual performance evaluations as a forum for discussing an employee s contribution to a positive work environment. 25 Closing Reflections First keep peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. Thomas a Kempis 26

14 Closing Reflections 27 Closing Reflections The Five Buddha Remembrances I cannot avoid aging. I cannot avoid illness. I cannot avoid death. I cannot avoid being separated and parted from all that is dear and beloved to me. I can control my actions (which does not mean controlling the results of those actions). 28

15 Resources: Want More Information? Website: Sublimity: Pathways to Peace Article on this Presentation Recommended Books Workshop Offerings Calendar of Events 29 Speaker Contact Information: Marianne Farag, Sublimity: Pathways to Peace,