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Leadership Thought #239 – Everyone Has Value (And Should Be Treated That Way)

November 2, 2011  ·  2 sections  ·  2 min read

Leadership Thought #239 – Everyone Has Value (And Should Be Treated That Way)
In work and life, it’s important to never forget that everyone has value and should be treated that way. I find that how someone regularly treats other people, regardless of their status or physical appearance, is a good barometer of that person’s character. In our society, we have come to worship fame, beauty, power, and wealth much more than we should. In all levels of society, results should and do matter; however, they are not all that matter. Allowing a fellow human being to maintain his/her dignity and self-respect regardless of the circumstances is equally important.

No One Succeeds Alone

Not everyone is destined to reach the summit or lead a luxurious lifestyle. In fact, it is impossible to make such achievements happen from a socioeconomic standpoint. But in all cases, the people who got there wouldn’t have made it without the hard work of many others. No one ever achieves success alone, despite what some books or talking heads may want to tell you. There are no completely self-made men or women. The best leaders intuitively understand these realities and approach their relationships and interactions with a win-win mindset because you never know when you will need to rely on the goodwill and understanding of a fellow human being. There was a movie called “Grand Canyon” many years ago that did a wonderful job illustrating this fact. This doesn’t mean that people don’t deserve to get fired or be held accountable for their decisions.

Accountability With Dignity

We all must learn to live with and accept the consequences of our actions. However, it does mean that how we treat someone when this happens is as much a reflection of ourselves as of them. Everyone fails at some point. We need to create the opportunity for learning and personal growth when this happens. It is always wise to ask yourself how you would like to be treated in a comparable situation. Moreover, when performance isn’t at issue or the interaction is only in passing, why not inject some positive energy, friendliness, and kindness into the equation?
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