You-Attitude & Spiritual Experience in the Workplace: Is there a Connection?

Abstract

In the words of Burkhardt & Nagai-Jacobson (2002), “Spiritual experiences can include being connected to a larger reality, yielding a more comprehensive self; joining with other individuals or the human community; with nature or the cosmos; or with the divine realm.” Communication – oral and written, is a significant skill in every context: personal, organizational, social. Interrelating with others through oral communication is crucial to the workplace and to spirituality. Comprehending and appreciating what others are explaining is essential to doing a good job, whether the communication is with coworkers or others. Apparently not all communication is spiritual, but understanding what others are saying is the basis for ascribing meaning and crafting a spiritual workplace. Written communication must be done well so that one’s ideas are clear to the receiver. Electronic communications can cause serious miscommunications at times. With regard to spirituality, written communication can be very significant. For example, journaling can be a perfect channel for people to facilitate them to deal with an idea or problem. A prudent written reference by a colleague for a job applicant can amount to the difference between being selected for the position or not. Written reports and other documents are strategic to the organizational success. One of the seven C’s of communication – Consideration also termed as you-attitude is one such facet that can lead an individual to having a more comprehensive self by connecting spiritually with other individuals (human beings). This paper tries to explore the effect of sender’s you-attitude in written communication on the receiver and makes an attempt to create a link between you-attitude and spiritual experience at the workplace.