Professional relationships

We can learn a lot from trees. This is the General Sherman Tree in the Kings Canyon National Park in California. This tree is surrounded on all sides by very old trees. These trees have survived since the time of Christ. Or so they say.

How do they do it? Cooperation

Science has proven over the past few years that trees have complex integrated root systems that provide nutrients, communication, and support to all of the trees for miles around. When one tree is injured, the surrounding trees work together to support the injured tree. How cool is that? What if humans cared enough for each other that we did the same. Well, some would say that we use to. Especially in our work and professional lives that seems to have become somewhat of a problem.

Today the stress is so high in our workplaces that we often take our coworkers for granted. We can be judgmental, selfish, feel self-pity and forget common virtues like kindness and respect.

We lash out without thinking and forget to ask forgiveness when we have been rash. Often we don’t even notice when a coworker is struggling. We assume they are “ not pulling their weight” because they are lazy or don’t care.

How many times in the past month or even year have you asked a coworker how you can make their life easier? Before you make assumptions how many times have you made sure your assumptions are correct?

In counseling, we teach communication tools like “ When you………., I feel……… because ……….., in the future…….

Just using this one tool when communicating can redirect a potentially nasty conversation into one that is productive and promotes a healthy work environment.

If you are struggling with communicating with a coworker that is getting under your skin, I can help

Karen Van Acker LPC

15 minutes free session