Working in a Hostile Environment – How to Cope

 Once upon a time, someone put up on the office wall Ten Commandments to Working in a Hostile environment.  My eye fell on them from time to time. I used them on air a number of times and they were very helpful. I thought they may help others to have them outlined. If you Google TD Jakes with “Ten Commandments for Working in a Hostile Environment, you’ll find the whole message on You Tube.  He preached it in 2002 and has gone on to expand on it in a book with the same name. These principles will give you new energy to face any toxic environment.

1. Understand that God anoints you for trouble. Be sure you are a Christian.  Put on the full armour of God before going to work. You’re going to war, so dress for it.
2.  Don’t expect to be appreciated. Your only expectation should be to get a pay cheque. Don’t come to work to have personal relationships. Don’t allow what you do to affect who you are. Get your appreciation from your family and friends. You are at work to serve.
3.  Seek opportunities to change the atmosphere without commenting on the problems. You have a God to talk to. You’re on an assignment. Quietness and trust shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)
4. Do your job well but remember your mission. You are there to be a light. When you do your job well, you are a valuable member of the company.  Money is not your mission. It funds your mission.  Use your gifts and talents. Don’t expect your job to fund your vision. Diversify your income. Don’t be overly worried about the money. We must not be led by money.
5.  Don’t let your environment get inside of you. You should influence it, not let it influence you. Stop going to work to be fed- you didn’t come to receive, you came to give.
6.  Increase your capacity to work with different personalities. God will often bless you through people you don’t even like!
7.  Remember where you are does not define where you are going. This will deliver you from frustration. God has a plan for your life. Keep your eye on the prize. When Peter did this, he was able to walk in what other people sank in!
8. Get the optimum results with minimal confusion.  Be effective without making the environment worse.
9.  Don’t be associated with one group or clique. Labels limit your usefulness. God wants you to work with everybody but be labelled by nobody. Use all your gifts.
10. Always keep your song near you. Keep a consecrated place in your soul. Hold on to your praise. Guard your heart.

Never forget Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂