Mikolaj’s Monday Maunder-Nothing for you

Inspiration and lessons for your leadership journey!

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“Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.”
~ Various forms attributed to multiple individuals ~

You may have heard the story about the professor who asked an interesting last question on the final exam of the semester.  Some twists of the story say it was the only question on the exam.  The question was, "What is the name of the janitor who cleans this room after class?"  In the story, no student could answer that question even though they had seen and passed the man (sometimes a woman) dozens of times during the course of the semester.

Or, you may have heard of or even practice having an HR representative or hiring manager play the role of receptionist as new candidates come in for their job interviews.  Unbeknownst to the job candidates, how they treat the receptionist is a key part of the interview.

Unfortunately, there are people who see themselves as part of some superior group.  They would suggest that unnoticed people are insignificant, “little” people, or worse, are out right condescending, indignant, or prejudiced towards them.  Many say one thing about these “others” when among their peers and when in the public eye, try to portray a completely different image.  This is hypocrisy – and hypocrisy in a leader is one of the quickest ways to destroy trust and influence.  They cease to truly be a leader and any power they may now still have comes merely from the position that they may hold.

As I said in Chapter 8, The Trust Trek, we chose to be leaders.  By doing that, everything changed and we’re now held to a higher level of accountability and integrity than ever before.  Regardless of what’s written in our ethics code, code of conduct, compliance procedures, or taught in our trainings, what we say and do – whether right or wrong – is looked to and magnified by those around us as guidance for behavior in our organizations larger relations, and families.  In the public spectrum, what leaders say and do is magnified by the media and gives citizens guidance for behavior in society (for better or worse).

Are we saints or sages?  Maybe, maybe not.  But shouldn’t we and our leaders aspire to be?  Religious and spiritual traditions, great thinkers on leadership, and the most current research, all point to the conclusion that being the most capable, authentic, virtuous, and most benevolent or loving person, also makes one the best leader.

Part of that means recognizing and validating the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  Are some more intelligent?  Have more money?  Born into families of power and privilege?  Are others not?  Of course.  Either way, there are no insignificant people.  Lest we forget, there is great danger in believing otherwise.  Remember the history of slavery in the US and around the world, the Jewish holocaust, or the Rwanda genocide as glaring examples of what can happen if some believe others are less; are not worthy of being treated with respect and dignity. 

The United States’ Declaration of Independence asserted that we are “created equal” and “endowed with certain unalienable rights.” 

The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights opens saying, “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world…”

Jesus of Nazareth is quoted as saying, “Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me” (Mt. 25:40).

Today, be the best leader that you can be.  Make it a point to treat everyone with love, respect, and dignity – especially those who can do nothing for you.

Today's Affirmations

(Repeat these quietly to yourself multiple times throughout the day.)

I respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

I treat everyone, including the janitor, with respect and caring.

What I say and do is magnified and used as guidance by others.

I am a loving leader!

Have an amazing journey today!

Alan

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