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Upon reaping what you sow
Jan. 23rd, 2011 02:03 pm I spend a lot of time people-watching or gathering input from other's communications and it's amazing to me, how few people understand the old biblical warning that you will reap what you sow. Put more simply, if your communications and actions show disdain for others, insult others or are confrontational, why be surprised that others respond in a similar vein?
If you want to be understood, you have to seek understanding in a way that allows others to feel comfortable with sharing their real thoughts, not in a way that discourages others to bother engaging. It's an easy concept, but one that seems to not be followed by so many people. If you do confront, be prepared for strong pushing back. It's not wrong to use those tactics, but there does need to be a recognition of basic courtesies and why they exist; it's all about respect for others and having respect returned.
If you want to be understood, you have to seek understanding in a way that allows others to feel comfortable with sharing their real thoughts, not in a way that discourages others to bother engaging. It's an easy concept, but one that seems to not be followed by so many people. If you do confront, be prepared for strong pushing back. It's not wrong to use those tactics, but there does need to be a recognition of basic courtesies and why they exist; it's all about respect for others and having respect returned.