Friday, March 29, 2024

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葡萄樹傳媒

「我們」就是力量

By:Robert J. Tamasy

最近一個朋友給我看了一則社群網站的評論,引起了我的注意。這篇評論似乎道出了現今工商業界職場人的想法:「我獨自工作、也爲我自已工作」。

簡單的幾個字,很清楚地表達出一個普遍性的想法。事實上,這句話可以簡化成更短的宣言: 一切都關乎「我,」或者我們也聽過其他類似的話。但,如果我們把後面的我改成「我們」呢?

幾年之前,我還是一個新聞菜鳥,在一個市郊的報社當助理編輯,在那裡我學到了一些很重要的原則,其中最重要的就是「我們」就是力量。

這個原則在很多方面都成為我的幫助。報社的工作人員都感受到資深編輯的支持。即便有問題產生,我們知道自己不是孤立無援的,「我們在同一條船上」是那裡一個共同的價值。這樣的觀念也一再提醒我,和人一起工作比工作本身更重要。聖經也重複地強調這樣的觀念。

要了解我們每個人的角色都很重要。有時候在群體裡,我們會感到別人比較重要。但是,無論我們擔任的是不是檯面上的工作,或是這個工作是不是社會所重視的,我們所貢獻的對完成共同的目標都很有價值。基督就像一個身體,有許多肢體;雖然身體有許多肢體,到底還是一個身體。『就如身子是一個,卻有許多肢體;而且肢體雖多,仍是一個身子;…你們就是基督的身子,並且各自作肢體。』(哥林多前書12章12-27節)

明白同工能成就更多。 你是否注意到有人加入時,排山倒海的工作突然之間變得簡單多了。『兩個人總比一個人好,因為二人勞碌同得美好的果效。』(傳道書4章9節)

團結一致面對反對的勢力。幾千年前耶路撒冷聖殿重建,建造者明白「我們的力量」的原則不只在於工作,也是一個擊退反對勢力的挑戰。『仇敵聽見我們知道他們的心意,見上帝也破壞他們的計謀,就不來了。我們都回到城牆那裏,各做各的工。…於是,我們做工,一半拿兵器,從天亮直到星宿出現的時候。』(尼西米書4章15-21節)

為共同的目標工作。我們為神彼此同工,也確定神是我們團隊裡最活躍的參與者。『因為我們是與上帝同工的;你們是上帝所耕種的田地,所建造的房屋。』(哥林多前書3章9節)

今天,在你工作的地方做一個實驗:試著把焦點放在「我們」,而不是「我」,看看會發生什麼事情?

勞勃.泰默西是領袖資產協會的傳播部副部長,這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。

省思 / 討論題目
對文章中提到的論點: 「我獨自工作、也爲我自已工作」。對你來說,這個論點是不是很自我中心?或者你對它有不一樣的看法? 在今天,「一切都關乎我」這句話是普遍的觀念。這樣的想法是否隱藏了一些問題? 想一想「我們就是力量」這句話,對你的職場來說,是不是真的?你認識持續使用「我們就是力量」的人,或者你自己就是這樣的人?說一說這句話所產生的影響力。 如果有更多的人採取「我們就是力量」,而非自我中心的態度,你覺得整個大環境或者說現今的職場有可能改變嗎?若你想看或討論聖經對此主題的其他部份,請看以下經文:箴言 27章17節;傳道書4章10-12節;馬可福音6章7節;使徒行傳6章1-6節;提摩太後書 2章2節

THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF “WE”
By Robert J. Tamasy

Recently a friend drew my attention to a comment someone had made on social media. This statement seems to summarize the thinking of many people we encounter in the business and professional world today: “I am working on myself, for myself, by myself.”

Nine simple words, but they reveal a mindset that is very common wherever we go. In fact, it can be boiled down to an even shorter, even more familiar declaration: “It”s all about me.” We all have heard sentiments like this said in many other ways as well. But what if we change that last phrase slightly and see the difference it makes: “It”s all about WE”?

Years ago, while still an inexperienced journalist, I took a job as assistant editor on a suburban newspaper. During my time there I learned a number of important principles, but perhaps none more significant than what I call “the power of “we”.” A senior editor was grooming me for a more responsible position, so I closely observed how he approached his job and interacted with staff reporters. When giving an assignment, or discussing how an article should be written or revised, he always said things like, “Why don”t we check with so-and-so…?” or “How can we change this opening paragraph?” Rather than using the more directive “you,” he regularly used “we” to underscore the reality that we were working together as a team.

This was helpful in many ways. The staff members always felt the senior editor”s support. Even when problems arose, they did not feel isolated – “we are in this together” was the prevailing attitude. And they also were reminded that most of the time more is accomplished working in concert with others than in working alone. This principle is repeatedly emphasized in the Bible as well:

Knowing we all have important roles. Sometimes it is hard to sense the “we” aspect of work when the roles of others seem more valued. However, whether our jobs are visible or not, whether we receive public acclaim for our work or not, our contributions are valuable for accomplishing the overall goals. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many they form one body…. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Understanding we achieve more working together. Have you ever noticed how a task that seems overwhelming suddenly becomes much easier when someone joins you to help in getting it done? “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Joining to confront opposition. When the ruins of Jerusalem were being rebuilt thousands of years ago, the builders understood the “we” principle, sharing in both the work and the challenge of fending off those who opposed the enterprise. “When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work…. So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out” (Nehemiah 4:15-21).

Working on a common mission. Not only are we directed to work together for God”s purposes, but we also are assured God is an active participant on the “team.” “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

At your workplace, try an experiment. Instead of concentrating on “me,” focus on “we.” See what happens.

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

Reflection/Discussion Questions
What is your reaction to the statement cited, “I am working on myself, for myself, by myself”? Does it sound self-centered to you, or do you understand it in another way, with a different meaning or intent? Explain your answer. The statement, “It is all about me,” is common throughout much of society today. What are some problems that could arise from that kind of thinking? Consider the idea presented, “the power of “WE.”” Have you seen that validated in your workplace? Do you know of anyone – perhaps yourself – that consistently takes an “us” or “we” approach at work? What impact does that make, in your opinion? How do you think the tone, and overall environment, of the modern-day workplace would change if more people adopted the “we” philosophy instead of the more prevalent “me” attitude?If you would like to look at or discuss other portions from the Bible that relate to this topic, consider the following brief sampling of passages: Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:10-12; Mark 6:7; Acts 6:1-6; 2 Timothy 2:2

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