As kids, our parents and teachers always told us to “treat others as you would like to be treated.” In elementary school, and through high school and college it was easy at many times to forget and ignore this rule as we tried our best to fit in to our surroundings, but as we grow into our twenties it becomes a key aspect of our social success. Especially as you enter into the workforce, begin to take on more responsibilities and become more of leader that is both independent and dependent on others, it’s important to know that the respect and courtesy that you hope to gain from your colleagues is only what you give to them to begin with.
Most jobs that people in their twenties hold are usually less than glamorous, and tend to involve working for and under an older and more experienced boss. Sometimes this includes doing work that makes you question the reason for all of the sweat and study for that college degree, and it can be difficult to want to give your superiors the respect that they expect to get from you as your boss (and possibly/hopefully mentor). This is when it’s important to remember to “treat others as you would like to be treated.” If you give your bosses the respect and dedication that you would expect, oftentimes you will receive it from them in return. No one likes an ungrateful employee, and it’s also important to remember that you may be in their shoes one day with an eager young employee working under your guidance.
This also goes for your co-workers, as well. I don’t know anyone who has had a job where they get along with each and every one of their co-workers. Some of the stories people love to share with friends are about how the jerk that works in the cubicle next to you threw you under the bus in a staff meeting. While it can be difficult to “be the bigger person” and follow the Golden Rule when you are dealing with uncooperative co-workers, it’s really the smart path to take. There are a couple of good reasons for this. First of all, your superiors are (usually) smart and observant, and can see that your co-worker is probably a lazy, opportunistic jerk. When it comes time for someone to be promoted at your office, nine times out of ten the boss will want to promote the loyal, respectful team player. If for some reason they do promote the jerk, then you probably don’t want to work for an organization that rewards for that behavior and the promotion probably isn’t worth anyway. The other good reason to follow the golden rule with all of your co-workers is that you never know when you’ll need their help or support. Maybe they have a lead on a new job, or they are a good connection to someone who can get you a new job or apartment or whatever. Even if you don’t think of that person too highly, as long as you’ve helped them out in the past, or treated them with kindness and integrity, they will be more willing to lend you a helping hand.
When you enter the years of Quarterlife you are constantly meeting new people everywhere you go. At work, at parties, in your apartment building, even out on the street. If you set an example of respect, dedication, integrity and trust towards your boss, co-workers, friends, neighbors and loved ones it would be extremely difficult for them find a reason to treat you any differently. As the saying goes, “What goes around, comes around,” so with every new person you meet, remember the Golden Rule because you never know when you might need to call upon them for help in the future. You’ll not only set a good example for others around you, but you’ll also feel good about yourself. It may not always be easy to treat everyone with as much kindness and respect as you would expect for yourself, but if you stick to this rule than you will be guaranteed to reward yourself above others.
No comments:
Post a Comment