The workplace can be tough, tougher than it should be sometimes. Long hours, high stakes and continuous pressure can easily harden hearts and turn colleagues bitter towards one another.
We know too well the popular aphorisms about competition:
It’s dog eat dog.
It’s survival of the fittest.
It’s either me or him.
Healthy competition is good, but there is a toxic type, too. And we’ve all heard the tales of companies that perpetuate it. Their leaders exploit weakness, they bully, they ridicule and diminish contributions. They turn their backs on those that don’t measure up for some reason.
Even more concerning than these smaller acts in our offices, are the colossal ones occurring on the world stage.
Donald Trump practices a brand of bullying, rudeness, superficiality and xenophobia that he learned from his family, friends and business associates. The abused ultimately become the abusers. He’s a product of toxic competition.
On a multi-national level, terrorism seems to be due in some part to the extreme marginalization, alienation and intimidation that people like Trump so proudly promote.
There’s a big difference between Trump and terrorists. One uses words, the other, deadly force, but the same wanton disregard and persecution of others is a common trait.
In a business and geo-political climate more volatile and dangerous than ever, what can we do to possibly ease these tensions? How do we break the cycle?
There’s mercy. There’s kindness, compassion, and restraint.
There’s walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. There’s recognizing value and potential in those at a disadvantage.
Pope Francis is a champion for mercy. From the beginning of his papacy he has emphasized mercy as a common theme. And so it was no surprise when he declared that the Church would celebrate a Year of Mercy this year.
The Year of Mercy is directed at three audiences: individuals in the Church, clergy, and the world. Even if we’re not all of the Church or clergy, we are all of the world.
But can more mercy really help? Consider the reactions and results.
Merciless Trump events are marked by demonstrations, threats, fights and outrageously inflammatory statements that divide.
Merciful Francis appearances move people to tears of joy, hopefulness, inclusion and forgiveness.
Merciless Trump touts his wall-building skills: “Nobody builds better walls than me, believe me.”
Merciful Francis builds bridges for Christians, Muslims, Jews and atheists.
Merciless Trump wants to round up and deport immigrants, turn away foreign visitors because of religion, and is afraid of touching people.
Merciful Francis washes the feet of the most broken and downtrodden, and invites the poor into his home.
Merciless Trump loves to stoke feuds and spout insults, and he never apologizes.
Merciful Francis preaches forgiveness, and has even dedicated a whole year to it.
And so, on this Easter Sunday, a call for mercy. A call for kindness, forbearance, and generosity in spirit.
But the call is not complete without the action: to demonstrate mercy, to share mercy, and to receive mercy.
Have a great week.
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