Tolerance: The Unsung Hero of Workplace Productivity

I doubt there is anyone who wouldn't agree with the fact that tolerance in a workplace is important for productivity because the important of tolerance to workplace productivity can't be over emphasized. It shouldn't even be debated because tolerance is more or less the hero of any workplace productivity.

_{Image Edited Using Canva}
Let us imagine an band where each instrument plays its own tune, disregarding the conductor's baton. I guess we already know what the result would be right? You don't expect to get a symphony or do you? What you would be getting is a cacophony and this is obviously what a workplace without tolerance would look like. The result of this would be a chaotic workplace where individual differences create conflict that would obviously hinder productivity and progress.

In our world today where workplaces are filled with people with different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and personalities, the role of tolerance is a very crucial one since it can be a source of strength just the same way it helps in promoting creativity and innovation. Now, workplaces without tolerance can actually be a breeding ground for conflict and I bet we already know that this would hinder communication, collaboration, and most especially productivity right?

I want us to note here that tolerance is not just about accepting things as they are, rather, tolerance is about respect and understanding. It is about appreciating and acknowledging the unique views and experiences each individual brings to the table, just as it is about creating a perfect environment where everyone feels very safe to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and contribute their strengths to the growth of the workplace without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Tolerance has indeed done more good than harm in our workplaces and I believe there wouldn't be any room for productivity if there is no tolerance in the workplace. Let's look at it this way;

• Open communication: You would all agree with me that we are more likely to listen openly to each other when we are able to tolerate other people's differences right? Now, listening openly to each other would obviously foster a free flow of ideas just as it would bring about solutions that would benefit the entire team.
• Collaboration: When we tolerate our colleagues regardless of their background, it allows us to appreciate their strengths. I bet you would agree with me that in one way or the other, this little act goes a long way to pave way for effective collaboration where different skills and abilities come together to achieve greater things.
• Innovation: Again, by embracing different viewpoints, we are indirectly challenging the status quo and this opens doors to new ideas and approaches which would unlock potentials for problem solving and innovation.
• Employee satisfaction: It's a known and obvious fact that whenever individuals feel respected and valued for who they are, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. So the fact remains that tolerating others and respecting their feelings would definitely contribute to a positive work environment and a stronger team spirit.

But let's not forget the other side of the coin because when we fail to tolerate others in our workplaces, it can actually lead to:

• Miscommunication: When we fail to understand each other's perspectives, it will definitely bring about a break down in communication and this in one way or the other will lead to misunderstandings and then, missed opportunities in the workplace.
• Conflict: it's not an hidden fact that when differences are not dealt with accordingly, they always end up escalating into conflict. Believe me when I tell you that this will definitely hinder collaboration and productivity.
• Loss of talent: Again, when individuals keep feeling that they are being discriminated against or they feel unwelcomed in the workplace, you will agree with me that they may end up leaving the place and this will end up resulting in the loss of valuable skills and knowledge.

So guys, the next time you find yourself working with someone different from you, just remember that tolerance isn't just a virtue, rather it is something everyone must possess.

Henceforth, let us see tolerance as the key we can use to unlock the full potential of our team and let us also see it as a way of creating an environment where individual differences can come together to create a productive work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best to the growth of the workplace.

Thanks for visiting my blog.