Sunday, March 18, 2012

#11: Show respect for the other person's opinion. Never say "you're wrong."

I will start this week by making a confession to all of you. I said these words to my colleague, Katie, on Tuesday morning: "It's hard to be a good person."  Phew.  Amen to that, Marisa.

I said that after I found myself slapping my own wrist two times already that day.  Both slaps were in reference to comments I made about a particular situation at work.  And, no, they weren't respectful.  Lucky for me, the rest of my week (Wednesday-Sunday) consisted of a mini-vacation!  I took Tyler, my two-year old son, to see my parents in northwest Iowa.  There's nothing better for the soul (and an attempt to be a "good person") than time away from reality.  Let that be a lesson for all of us to use those vacation days!

Before I left on Wednesday, I had a conversation with a dear friend of mine.  She shared that she is having an extremely tough time at work right now because she is working for an organization that operates in a culture of fear.  In other words, they attempt to motivate people through fear.  Throughout that conversation, I could hear the exhaustion and sadness in her voice.  This is a person who is truly one of the sweetest, bravest, most optimistic people I know.

My friend's situation reminded me of how blessed I am to work for an organization that operates in a culture of respect and transparency.  I take the straightforward communication and regular praise for granted most days.  My friend's story gave me a wake-up call.  Organizations like Lutz & Company are still the exception, not the norm. I'm one of the lucky ones.

I admire my friend.  She is trying to change the culture of her organization using what she called "baby steps."  It will be a long process but imagine the number of lives she will improve with each stride she makes!  A quote I received in my inbox today seems fitting: Daniel Brooks said, "Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones."  What are we doing with our small moments?  Are we creating a culture of respect in our professional and personal lives?

1 comment:

  1. Bernard Meltzer who was the radio host of the syndicated call-in show, "What's Your Problem?," during the 1970's, 80's and 90's once said,
    "If you have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secret of getting along -- whether it be business, family relations, or life itself." I'm still working on that. Another great post Marisa. Well done!

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