Grace in the Workplace
You’re sitting at your desk, working through your day, when something small but irritating sets you off. Maybe it’s a curt email, a missed detail, or a project taking a wrong turn.
You feel it creeping in, your heart rate picks up, your shoulders tense, and that familiar wave of frustration starts to build. You’re not shouting or slamming your keyboard, but internally… it’s definitely a moment. Smiling on the outside, simmering on the inside and you’re doing everything to keep your inner Bruce Banner from unleashing the Hulk on someone.
We’ve All Been There
Why did they speak to me that way?
Why is he always late?
Why am I fixing someone else’s mistake – again?
It’s easy to get caught up in frustration at work. Whether you’re the one who feels wronged or the one who made the mistake, we’ve all been on both sides. Every single one of us brings our full selves to work, along with whatever we’re carrying from outside the office. Health issues. Relationship challenges. Mental or emotional burdens.
Life is hard.
There’s a phrase we often hear: “Don’t bring your problems to work.”
I’ve said it too, and I’ve realized it’s just not that easy.
You don’t leave yourself at the door when you walk into the office. As the saying goes, “Wherever I go, there I am.”
Balancing Humanity with High Performance
While we shouldn’t let personal struggles derail our work, sometimes they do. That’s why the way we handle relationships at work matters so much. It shapes whether people feel safe, valued, and supported, or stressed, isolated, and invisible.
So how do we build a high-performance culture while honoring the human side of work?
We do it intentionally – but not perfectly.
One day at a time.
One person/relationship at a time.
With a mindset that considers the unique story of each person we work with.
This approach isn’t quick or easy. It’s not something you will find in our employee handbook. It takes time, attention, and a lot of care. But it’s worth it and it’s the right thing to do.
Leading with Grace
I’ve had the privilege of seeing this modeled consistently by Brian Meuth, our CEO and Jason Moseley, our COO. Getting to work with them closely over the years, I’ve watched them encourage someone after a failure, give second chances, and extend grace when others may not have. These aren’t just isolated moments, they are a part of our cultural DNA.
While many companies become more rigid and numbers driven as they grow, Brian and Jason remain people-first. That doesn’t mean they shy away from hard decisions. When someone crosses a clear line or becomes a poor fit, they act quickly and decisively. But their default is grace and that’s rare.
Brian often reminds us that our company exists for a higher purpose. That purpose is reflected in how we treat people, especially when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
A Call to Grace
It’s easy to get so focused on ourselves that we forget what others are dealing with. Life is filled with both joy and hardship. If you’re going to be part of a team, you have to learn how to give grace and how to ask for forgiveness.
Why?
Because it builds trust.
Because it reinforces relationship.
Because it reduces resentment.
Because it keeps us human.
Teams are made up of imperfect people. We’re going to make mistakes, disagree, and sometimes disappoint each other. What matters most is how we respond when that happens.
A Few Simple Reminders
- Assume the best. Start from the belief that others are doing their best with what they have.
- Check yourself first. Before criticizing or correcting someone else, detach and take an honest look in the mirror and check your ego.
- Stay balanced. Emotions are real but they don’t have to run the show. Very rarely are good decisions made out of emotion.
- Be consistent in the small moments. Those little acts of grace compound over time.
Final Thought
Grace isn’t just about kindness, it’s about strength, self-awareness, and a long-term perspective. It creates a culture where people can grow, take ownership, and trust each other more deeply.
Let’s keep showing up for each other.
With empathy. With intention. With grace.