Treat Others As You Would Have Them Treat You
We all want people to treat us with respect. But are we doing the same? Is it one-sided? It can be a challenge especially when we feel that we have earned a certain status. Sometimes we feel that way because we have worked so hard and for so long to get to where we are. And, what about the friends that helped us along the way? Have we alienated them with our new status? Have we forgotten from where we came? Many of us have been on both sides of this issue. It can be frustrating whether the one being treated differently or the one being accused of it.
Either way, it is good to remember the golden rule. It does not mean we will be perfect about it. But it can provide guidance in this fast paced society in which we all live. A friend of mine once told me that he accepted a promotion that made him a supervisor over his colleagues. In doing so, he promised his co-workers that he would always be their friend and always be there for them. He said that he honestly meant it but things started to go sour when he had to discipline one of his good friends.
We must remember to be fair and just. How will we know if we are treating others fairly? One way is by getting someone to watch as you handle a situation with someone else. But that is not always practical. Rehersing or going over what needs to be addressed with someone before-hand can be enlightening. And then, there is the mirror technique. The mirror does not lie. By practicing in the mirror one can overcome much more than just how an attitude is coming off on someone else.
Most of us can handle many situations as long as there is a space in between. When we are bombarded by problems we may take it out on the wrong person. If we notice ourself doing so, it should quickly be resolved. Afterall, what if we were the person wrongly subjected? We must not let our pride get in the way of an apology. Apology can be seen as a sign of strength. Perhaps we have all experienced supervisors with apologetic hearts as well as prideful ones. Which one was better?
Sometimes we may feel justified in going off on someone. But did we use the correct amount of medicine for the cure? It only takes a little poison to fatally hurt someone. Yes, there are times, plenty of times when discipline should be used, and even swiftly. In that case, we should speak softly and carry a big stick. Ask these two questions, "Was it done for cause?" "Was it done in good faith?" Sometimes we do the right thing but too much of it. Sometimes there was no just cause for the way we disciplined. If we remember to treat others the same way we would like to be treated many of our problems would be solved.