Developing a Better Work Culture

Don Miguel Ruiz wrote the book "The Four Agreements." Have you heard of it? Have you read it? No, this is not an advertisement, and by no means is this a new book out on the market with the latest information everyone is talking about. However, sometimes we all just need to go back to basics in order to move forward successfully.

This short article highlights the four agreements presented in Ruiz’s text that stem from the indigenous Mexican culture of the Toltecs.

Why did we choose this topic for this LinkedIn article?

We believe that even in a world where intolerance and hate seem to be prevailing, there is always hope. What if everyone could take the time to put these four agreements (or something similar) into practice personally and professionally? We would most likely be able to develop better work cultures at our jobs.

The Four Agreements?

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.

Be impeccable with your word.

Words are powerful. Reflect: How do you speak to others? How do you speak to yourself? Do you criticize more than you praise? A person’s words represent his or her inner thoughts. Being mindful of what you are saying is a form of self-care and ultimately a way to project love and support.

Don’t take anything personally.

Someone else’s actions are not your responsibility. Reflect: The way people treat you is not a mirror of who you are but rather of who they are. Therefore, when a situation does not go as you would have liked, take a step back and try to understand the other person. Not everything is about you. If you consistently point a finger at yourself, you will give power to other people’s opinions and less power to what you think and believe.

Don’t make assumptions.

Making assumptions is an easy way to create miscommunication. Reflect: Do you react quickly without analyzing the reality you are facing? Verbalize clear and straightforward ideas. Ask questions so that you can clarify any doubts you may have.

Always do your best.

If you always give your best, depending on your current circumstances, you will feel at peace. Reflect: When you do your best, do you have feelings of regret or guilt? Do you judge yourself when you do your best? Enjoy your time at work. Accept yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Please yourself first, and you will see that it will be easier to please others.

As you know, but probably rarely think about, five days are equal to 120 hours. Most people have a five-day work week. If 40 of those 120 hours are spent at work, shouldn’t the environment be positive? You may have responded yes and then added something like, "But my co-workers are so difficult." If this is the case, we encourage you to go back and read the second agreement, and then make a promise to yourself to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem so that your work culture becomes better.