I’ve always liked politics. But I’m not so sure anymore. Every time the State of the Union Address is given, it appears that our country’s political differences run deeper and deeper every year. I know, times aren’t really all that different now compared to the past. But from where I sit, it seems like our country is divided over almost every issue.

Health Care, Marriage, Raw Milk, Immigration, Constitutional Rights, Taxes, Climate Change, Unions, and the list goes on.

Whether the argument deals with politics, religion, sports, or food production methods, a lot people like to take a stand and choose one side over the other.  They’re either FOR it or AGAINST It. And as you’ve probably already noticed, the workplace isn’t any different.

Does “Management” vs. “Labor” sound familiar?

So where do you think this division in the workplace comes from? Ironically, it seems that one “side” likes to blame the “other”. A lot of “management people” tend to think that “labor” is lazy and they’re just trying to avoid doing their work every day. A lot of “labor people” tend to think that “management” is greedy and they’re just trying to squeeze more work out of them every day.

So what do you think? When it comes to the business world, do you side with “management” or with “labor”?

I’ll admit it, I lean pretty heavy to the side of management. But over the past twelve years, I’ve been accused of being on both “sides”. Workers have said that I side too much with the owner, and owners have claimed that I side too much with their employees. And you know what? That’s exactly where I want to be.

You see, when somebody asks me “Who’s side are you on?”, that’s when I know I’m doing my job. My job is to work FOR THE DAIRY… not one side or the other. My job is to do what’s in the best interest of the dairy… and “the dairy” includes everyone.

The truth is that all of us are working for the benefit of the company and we should all have its best interest in mind in both the short-term and in the long-term. Sure, what’s in the best interest of the company in the long-term might not always be favorable for one of the sides today. But we’re not working toward one-sided, short-sighted solutions. Ultimately, everyone on your team should be working for the long-term well-being of your company as a whole. Whether you classify someone as labor, management, vendor, customer, or investor, every one of us depends on your company’s success.

Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in defending your position and “picking a side.” But the reality is this… In every relationship, whether at work or at home, there’s really just one thing we have to ask each other. And not just figuratively, but literally.

We literally have to stop talking before the conversation and relationship veer off-course, and ask the following question… “Are we on the same side?” Hopefully the answer is “Yes”. If it is, it’s time to find something that everyone can agree on and start working toward your common goals.