Changing My Algorithm: The Lesson that Opened My Eyes
Before I started coming for classes, my approach to work was very much driven by my past experiences and what I thought I knew. I went for work meetings without an entirely open mind. I wasn't always open to discussing things, and I had a tendency to think in absolutes – if something had happened a certain way in the past, that was simply how it was. When faced with differing opinions, I could get defensive and cling to my own perspective. That was until I started learning the Dharma.
For some context, in my role handling compensation and benefits, I constantly strive to ensure fair and competitive pay for our employees. One specific situation that comes to mind involved reviewing salary ranges. There were complaints that the monthly base salary wasn't competitive, and with the best intentions for our employees, I proposed increasing the base salary while decreasing the bonus structure.
However, one of my stakeholders decided to propose increasing the bonus and decreasing the base instead. Initially, I approached this disagreement purely with work logic, justifying my stance to the stakeholder. However, the discussions dragged on for months without resolution. Feeling frustrated, I decided to shift my perspective. Remembering the principle of OMAK (observing merits and appreciating kindness), I took a step back to consider the stakeholder's point of view. This prompted me to re-evaluate my proposal. It dawned on me that while the higher base with a lower bonus might appear more attractive on paper, the lower base and higher salary approach gave the employees more income, making it ultimately more beneficial for them. I realized that like me, they ultimately cared about our employees' well-being.
This realization highlighted my own closed-mindedness. I had been so focused on my initial plan that I hadn't considered the stakeholder's perspective or the potential drawbacks of my proposal. By applying OMAK and approaching the situation with empathy, I gained a valuable new perspective. Thankfully, this shift in approach led to a breakthrough. This experience not only helped me navigate a challenging situation but also fostered a much better working relationship with the stakeholder today.
Being part of the youth community has had a profound impact on my work life in so many ways. The people I've met here are incredibly genuine and supportive, with no judgment – a stark contrast to my past tendency to be skeptical of others. This positive experience has transformed my perspective on the world, showing me that there are truly trustworthy people out there.
Spending more time with this community has fostered a sense of trust and openness within me, and this has begun to translate into my work persona as well. I find myself approaching colleagues with a greater sense of trust, assuming good intentions even when faced with challenges. This shift aligns perfectly with something I've been striving for for a long time – the ability to communicate objectively in the workplace.
The teachings and experiences I have had here have equipped me to deal with difficult situations by encouraging me to see things from different perspectives. When faced with disagreements, I now have the tools to step back and consider the possibility that I might not have the full picture. This allows me to approach conversations objectively, without letting emotions cloud my judgment. The community has given me the gift of virtuous friends who challenge me to see things from new angles, ultimately broadening my horizons and making me a more effective and well-rounded professional.
Yvonne Goh, 35
