After a series of tough meetings with a colleague over a sensitive and conflicting issue, we could not agree and realized we likely wouldn’t. We left each meeting feeling worse than the last, making for a very unpleasant experience. Finally, after another one of these tense meetings, this colleague texted me separately and essentially said we can and should do better. It was a peace offering and a reminder that we don’t always have to agree on work matters, but we have to remember the human side of these interactions and that it doesn’t have to be personal.

It taught me a valuable lesson about “agreeing to disagree” and was an important reminder to give each other the benefit of the doubt because we’re all just trying our best to do what’s right and that no one is above an apology. Through their apology, this colleague showed grace and humility, which only increased my respect for them and completely changed our dynamic.

Moments like this remind me of the truly amazing people I work with. It’s the people here that make it so special.

Austeja Vidugiryte, MHA
Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Operating Officer