See through the Eyes of Understanding

[Guest guest]

( " The Greatness Guide " by Robin Sharma)

 

The sad fact is that so many people look for the worst in others. They

see them through the eyes of their own anger, fear and limitation. If

someone shows up late for a meeting, they impute a negative intent to

that person, saying, " They are so rude. " If someone makes a mistake on

an expense report, they grumble, " That person is so dishonest. " If

someone miscommunicates a point, they silently say, " She is a liar. "

Real leaders are different. They look for the best in people. Jack

Welch, the former CEO of GE, said it so well: " The most important job

you have is growing your people, giving them a chance to reach their

dreams. "

 

I want to be clear. I am not suggesting that leaders avoid reality.

Not at all. They make the hard calls when they need to. I have

mentioned in an earlier chapter that the best do not worry about being

liked -- they just do what their conscience tells them is right. What

I am really saying is that the best leaders see through the eyes of

understanding. If someone is late, try to get to the truth. May be

there is a time management problem to coach around or a sick child to

help. An error on an expense account could be the result of a poor

process in place of the employee's disorganisation. The

miscommunication might be all about the person communicating having

weak skills in this area -- an opportunity for improvement. Today,

rather than looking for the worst in people, I encourage you to look

for what is best within them. Sure some people really are

inconsiderate or dishonest or uncaring. But in my experience -- and I

have worked with a lot of people over the years -- most people are

good. Few human beings wake up in the morning and ask themselves:

" What can I do today to mess up someone else's day or undermine my

credibility or ruin our business? " Most of the mistakes people make

are the result of a lack of awareness. Most people just do not know

better -- so stop taking it so personally.

 

And here is the payoff for you: As you seek out the good in people,

not only will they want to show up more fully for you, but you will

see more good in your world.