What Would Mother Teresa Say?

Hopefully we have all had the opportunity to work with some truly amazing coworkers. However, can you imagine what it would be like if Mother Teresa were working right alongside you?

She would go above and beyond making sure that everyone who walked up to her desk for help got the services they needed, sometimes bending the rules. She would take the leftovers from boardroom luncheons to feed the less fortunate. And she would shower her co-workers with love.

Here are a few possible workplace situations and responses based on Mother Teresa’s principles:

Instead of rationalizing gossiping about co-workers by telling yourself and others that you just need to vent to lower your stress level, try saying something like: “We all have our challenges, and we are not always at our best. It is more helpful to talk directly to the person if something bothers us.”

When a needy client constantly interrupts, demanding immediate attention while you’re trying to help others, an automatic response may be to express annoyance and shame this client. Mother Teresa’s approach would be to inspire rather than reprimand, possibly responding with: “I appreciate that you have something important to share, and I’ll be glad to listen. Please let me finish explaining, and then I’d love to hear what’s on your mind.”

What if a co-worker speaks rudely to you, blaming you for mistakes that weren’t your fault? There are many things you would like to say, yet we know that anger won’t solve the problem. Mother Teresa may suggest saying something like: “I hear what you’re saying, and I’d like to understand your perspective and concerns. Let’s look at the situation together so we can figure out what went wrong and how we can move forward.”

In these situations her focus is on patience, empathy, and constructive communication — key elements Mother Teresa was known for. In each scenario, Mother Teresa’s approach would be rooted in love, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the dignity of every individual — both co-workers and clients alike. Many individuals who walk into a government office in search of help are most likely already experiencing quite the blow to their dignity, no need to add to that.

Mother Teresa often spoke about the importance of small acts of kindness. “Do small things with great love.” No matter what our job positions we can perform each task with love and dignity. Mother Teresa would most likely also encourage workers to take things one step at a time, finding joy in small victories and caring for one another.

While Mother Teresa didn’t work in an office or a government environment, we can each find great satisfaction in applying her life principles to our work. If she did work in government, she would have inspired selfless action over empty words and kindness over bureaucracy.

The next time we are in a tension-filled moment and are not sure how to respond, just ask: What would Mother Teresa say?

Sandra Sharp works for the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as the State as a Model Employer (SAME) Development Specialist. She has worked in state government for over ten years, including working for the Colorado Department of Corrections as a teacher. She has recently served as Board Member for the Denver Metro Cultural Committee and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Denver. Sandra has the heart of a Public Servant.

Photo courtesy of Religion News Service