Human conduct can infinitely improve if we are conscious of our words and corresponding deeds.
There are few places where this places out more than daily human interaction and the civility in play. Unfortunately, at a local convenience store a few blocks from home I witnessed human conduct at its worst.
Having pumped gas at one of the stations early yesterday morning, I decided to go inside and score on a double chocolate doughnut and coffee. Delighted with my conquest, I waited in line as customer #4.
Customer #1 paid and exited the store. Customer #2 was a phantom for the moment. Customer #3 was a gentleman clearly in front of me.
All of a sudden Customer #2 blows back into the store like a surfer at high tide and lays into Customer #3……”What the hell are you doing butting in front of me? Can’t you see I had stuff on the counter. Are you ****ing blind?
Customer #3 replied, “I didn’t see you in front of me so I moved up in line.” Customer #2 said, “You blind ****ing bat, I don’t need this ****ing **it this morning. Open your eyes and pay ****ing attention.”
The Store Manager weighed in, “We don’t tolerate words like that. Please leave or I’m calling the police.” Customer #2 said, “I can say ****ing whatever I want” and stormed out the store.
Three minutes later at my local bank I stood in line right behind this young woman wondering if another volcanic episode would occur. She chatted up a teller ten feet away being perfectly pleasant.
I suspect we have all had blowups, blowouts, and episodes in our personal lives. Disputes and disagreements are bound to happen. How they are discussed and resolved determines the levels of future civility.
Similarly in our business lives, words matter and deeds rule.
For any organization to build winning cultures, the foundation must be driven by values and civility.
The following tips may help:
1) Think before you speak and speak before you act. These were the words of my late father who drilled them into me at an early age.
2) Contemplate your words and choose wisely. Self-awareness and intuition are key components in effective and civil communication with others.
3) Deeds rule: we are all accountable and responsible for our actions. They determine how we are viewed reputation wise.
My friends please remember this: respect, consideration, and courtesy matter a lot. Treat others fairly, decently, and equally.
Build your moral compasses carefully and always monitor them daily.
You know the battle cry: do your best each day. No one can ask more or less from any of us.
All the best/blessings, Mark
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