In my new(ish) job, the workplace dynamics are interesting, to say the least. You've got your typical office politics, cliques, and gripes combined with an atypical population served in an under-funded, under-staffed, frequently abused system. And, the word liability keeps floating to the forefront of my thinking. What a mess.
That being said, and acknowledging the big, beautiful hearts of all the people I'm getting to work with (personality differences, clashes in professional opinions, and compassion fatigue aside), there are two people, in particular, I want to praise and acknowledge. They happen to also be my shift-mates, so maybe I'm a little biased, but I don't think so. Just working a shift with someone doesn't mean you ENJOY working that shift with them. These ladies, though, really inspire me.
Both are long-timers with the organization where we work. They've worked in other departments as well as the one we're all with now, it would seem they've seen it all in their years of experience, and yet their compassion, understanding, humility, and patience continues to flow in abundance. That's not to say they don't get tired, annoyed, or grumpy just like anyone else. And, that's not to say they ALWAYS have all the answers. It means, at least to me, based on what I've seen, they try to avoid unnecessary workplace drama and they bring both their heart AND their appropriate boundaries and intentions into the work they do. So, if (more like when) I catch myself rolling my eyes or making annoyed assumptions about someone, these ladies inspire me to catch myself and take a step back for a fresh helping of humble pie. The perspective may or may not change the resources I can offer someone, but it can make a giant impact in how I work with them. It creates a perspective of empowerment and faith in the person, rather than one of resentment.
It's tricky though. People can be complete pricks, so it helps to remember something an instructor once said to a class I took:
"Hey, you guys only have to put up with me for 90 minutes, but I have to deal with myself 24/7!"
Good point. My frustration in working with people who are acting entitled, whiny, abusive, etc. is probably nothing compared to the pain, frustration, and anxiety they feel within their own skin. I mean, think about it:
How would YOU handle abuse, days without sleep, abandonment, homelessness, being sick without a cure, marginalization, stigma, judgement, hearing voices and seeing things, paranoia, no real friends or family, etc? My guess is that you wouldn't handle it very well. Most of us get grumpy and whiny and pissy and moany with a simple sinus infection. So, next time you meet an addict or see a homeless person on the street, just remember this bite of humble pie. You don't have to try to fix anyone or DO or give anything. All I'm saying is this: just don't judge people, not with anger nor disgust nor pity.
