Disunity: When a Workplace Lacks Vision

With recent changes in my job situation, I’m reflecting on the various places I’ve worked over the years, including organizations I used to visit as an outside consultant.

I’ve noticed that one of the biggest obstacles to productivity is low morale; and the biggest contributor to low morale is lack of vision. 

“Disunity” is another way to describe this malady.

A workplace without a clear vision of either its purpose or its operating principles is like a car without steering or braking. No matter how powerful it may be, it isn’t going anywhere, at least not intentionally. It is more likely to crash than to stall.

An organization — whether a business, a charity, a service or social club, or any other type of group venture — has an imperative to align its operations with its vision and purpose. Lacking that, disunity will result. This is true even if the individuals are well-intentioned. Disunity also invites the pursuit of private agendas; in this case, contradictory interpretations can prevail and conflicts may arise. People lose trust in each other, with backbiting and gossip occurring more frequently.

Tempted as we might be to point blame, I think disunity is everyone’s problem — in the sense that everyone is affected by it. In times of high unemployment, many are happy to have work, even unsatisfactory work; I recognize and respect that. But wouldn’t it be even better to feel inspired by one’s job, to be proud of the organization, to feel part of its good work or products?

In most organizations, senior managers have the authority to initiate improvement and change. But even if they are empowered to do so, they will not be effective unless they themselves know where they want to go and have the means to communicate it. This in turn requires a vision for the future; honest, open communications; purposeful, structured mechanisms for input; a spirit of cooperation and collaboration; and recognition of the worthiness and nobility of all people. Lacking that, employees and associates will likely feel manipulated, resentful, and frustrated by the resulting disorganization.

Baha’u’llah taught that humanity is ready for unity, and we are collectively mature enough to achieve it. He didn’t say that it will be immediate, but he reassured us that it is inevitable – and provided the tools to bring it to reality.

The Universal House of Justice expressed this truth in writing, at a practical, daily level:

 … these other ills are but various symptoms and side effects of the basic disease — disunity … It permeates attitudes in all departments of life. It is at the heart of all major conflicts between nations and peoples.

Unity. Sometimes it seems so far away, so unattainable. But it must begin somewhere. As an individual, I can begin with the people I am in contact with – including family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. If I respect them, I will communicate honestly and lovingly. I will be open-minded and free from prejudice. All people who envision a peaceful future when unity will prevail can take us closer to a loftier vision for our workplaces. That is indeed a worthy and necessary goal.