The way you treat others is how you showcase the real you for the whole world to see–and people will be watching and making judgements about you. They will be entertaining thoughts like: “Is this the kind of person I want to get to know better, stick my neck out for or go the extra mile for?” To quote former American advice columnist, Ann Landers, “… the true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.” The lesson here is to treat everyone you meet with kindness, dignity, and respect for two reasons: first, it’s the right thing to do and second, because people are watching. It may be your next boss, a coworker, or someone who otherwise stands between you and success or failure. As early American loyalist, John Howe, put it, “Character is power; it makes friends, draws patronage and support and opens the way to wealth, honor and happiness.”
Hi Ross, I really appreciate your goal of spreading kindness. One thing I realize that people of color can have bad experiences with prejudice every day. I try to just say some kind words to black and brown or red skinned people whenever I’m out. Something like “I like your shoes” or “What a beautiful jacket”. I always get a great smile back. I was in a Chicago health food store and I asked the clerk how her day was going. Her eyes kind of clouded up and said it was “alright”. I got the feeling it really hadn’t been an alright day for her. I took a chance and said “This should have been settled 400 years ago”. Her eyes brightened and she smiled. She said “Thanks for saying that”, and then she really smiled.
Ross, if you use this please don’t mention my name. Thanks for such positive ideas. Celeste Dolan Warda