Thinking "outside-the-box" in relationships
Thinking “outside-the-box” is a popular notion in the workplace. Consultants are paid good money to free company executives from the constraints of their day-to-day mindsets.
Most “outside-the-box” thinking focuses on strategic planning, product development and operational efficiency. As important as these are, there is another area that promises even greater return: Thinking “outside-the-box” about working relationships. In fact, failing to consider these relationships will prohibit—perhaps doom—all other efforts.
Our mind doesn’t willingly explore what we know about someone beyond the minimal requirements of our relationship with them. There exists a subconscious boundary based on an unchallenged desire for comfort. We don’t want to discover things we might be responsible for addressing, things that might steal from the time we spend thinking about ourselves.
This is a tragedy, for people are morethan we might imagine—even the people we think we know well. Haven’t we been warned not to accept things (or people) at face value? Does that only apply to things (and people) we’re unfamiliar with? Doesn’t that kind of thinking limit our intelligence and response?
Where is human curiosity when you need it?
We only recognize this need to know people more deeply when we take time to think about it. However, the average American mind is simply too busy. It takes someone doing something we consider outstanding—positive or negative—before we consider them beyond what has become comfortable to us.
It would do us and our organizations good to resist this human tendency and intentionally and proactively get to know the people in our spheres of influence. This includes our subordinates, peers and superiors.
As leaders in the workplace, we should encourage each other to explore beyond our comfort zones. Relationships are that important! The investment of time and energy will be greatly rewarded.
Let’s commit ourselves to more diligence.
There is, of course, no better place for rigorous and diligent “outside-the-box” thinking than with the LORD God Almighty. He is the foundation, cover and center of all relationships. It is impossible to deeply understand another person without first exploring the One who created them.
Discovering God
Sadly, most Christians spend even less time and energy thinking about God than they do other people. Our limited interaction with God constrains our understanding of Him (and the people around us). We know Him only as far as we allow Him into our day-to-day lives. For so many, this amounts to Sunday morning and quick rote prayers before a meal.
Even those serious about their walk with the Lord have difficulty making time to explore the Persons of the Godhead. This has been my challenge. Recently, I have begun asking Them for help.
God loves talking to His children; He just wants us to be still.
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
God has helped me understand more of His character through a book by A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy. In the process, I discovered that considering God’s limitlessness, His infinitude, is a mentally dizzying exercise, and a gloriously mind-renewing experience.
As Ransom discovered in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy, exposure to the vastness of God can be a frightening experience. Perhaps it should be; something touching on the fear of the LORD. That is something we all need.
Receive the blessing of time that God has given to be still and know Him beyond your comfort zone, and allow this to propel you into deeper relationships with those around you.
Photo source: istock
 | Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More » |
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