The search for peace is a considerably more complicated undertaking than business scandals or conflicts, which tend to make headlines and attract attention. Achieving and sustaining peace requires a concentrated effort, steadfast resolve, and a willingness to face the many obstacles that stand in their way, whether in the workplace or the wider globe.
However, when faced with personal or professional setbacks, like getting bad feedback at work or being held accountable for a project’s failure, empathy can be hard to muster.
Similar to this, when loved ones or communities are targeted during war or other conflicts, the initial reaction is frequently one of rage and a desire for retribution.
Micro and macro perspectives on disruption and evolution in human dynamics
Analysing trends at both the micro and macro levels is beneficial. The best solutions to break a pattern sometimes result from considering all sides of a problem. Observations from both macro and micro perspectives can reveal findings that could appear more evident when seen from opposite ends of the spectrum. Whether in the office or on a global scale, the fundamental psychology is the same, despite differences in scale.
Impulsive reactions during periods of high emotion rarely work out well. Even though it can be difficult to remain calm when emotions are running high, humans have an amazing capacity for evolution and adaptation.
The secret is to cultivate the self-control to delay making snap decisions. While self-defence may be required in certain situations, it’s important to take a moment to gather information, evaluate the circumstances, and weigh your options before acting. This will have a good effect on your relationships with others, your inner serenity, and the world at large.
Navigating instincts and emotions in professional and personal challenges
In both our personal and professional lives, we have all encountered upsets. Our natural reaction to being attacked or criticised is to either take offence or assign blame. This impulse stems from the fight-or-flight response in our bodies and our innate need to defend ourselves.
This response serves as a buffer against stressors or perceived threats. Your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline during this period, which can tighten your muscles, raise your blood pressure, and quicken your heartbeat.
What would happen to a person’s mental health if this occurred in the workplace with inconsequential situations? Especially when the stakes are much larger and, God forbid, loved ones are seriously impacted?
You’d lose in the short term. Although it may seem nice at the moment, an instantaneous response and fulfilment will only exacerbate underlying issues. Hatred, resentment, and wrath all feed off one another.
In the long-term, however, you come out on top. Finding peaceful solutions, however more difficult, starts cycles of prosperity by improving people’s well-being, that of businesses, and that of the entire planet.
Mastering your emotional response requires patience and time, just like learning any new skill. Your brain will reorganise itself to create new neural pathways if you put in the time to master new techniques. The new strategy becomes instinctive once new neural pathways are established. Let’s examine why, both in the workplace and globally, peace requires more leadership to achieve than conflict, as well as effective tactics.
Conflict and human nature
The intricacy of human nature is at the core of the issue. Deeply held differences in attitudes, beliefs, and values are frequently the core cause of conflict. These disparities show out in the workplace as power struggles, disagreements amongst coworkers, and interpersonal difficulties. Similar to this, historical grievances, geographical disputes, and ideological disagreements give rise to geopolitical tensions on the global scene.
Long-term stability vs. short-term satisfaction
The urge for instant fulfilment is present in war. It offers catharsis, an illusion of resolution, and a sense of empowerment. On the other hand, maintaining peace calls for perseverance, compromise, and fortitude. Even though conflict can have terrible effects, the temptation of winning quickly might often outweigh the advantages of peacebuilding over the long run.
Reconciliation and trust
Establishing enduring peace, whether within an organisation or between nations, requires developing trust. But trust is brittle and quickly shattered, and it takes constant work to foster and uphold. Humility, forgiveness, and a readiness to admit wrongs done in the past are necessary for reconciliation. It requires accepting vulnerability and facing hard realities, both of which can be difficult to do.
Complexity and diverse problems
Addressing complex issues with cultural, social, economic, and political facets is necessary in the pursuit of peace. Harmony in the workplace includes supporting diversity, creating inclusive settings, and reducing power disparities. Similarly, complicated geopolitical forces, economic inequities, and humanitarian crises face peacebuilding initiatives on a global scale.
Resistance to change
Human nature tends to resist change, especially when it disrupts established norms and power dynamics. To overcome this resistance, it is essential to have forward-thinking leaders, effective communication strategies, and a strong dedication to advancement.
Despite the challenges, creating peace in both professional settings and globally is vital. This endeavour necessitates persistence, bravery, and united efforts. It is important to recognise that real power comes from forming relationships, constructing connections, and nurturing harmony.
(Tashia Bernardus)