Let’s talk about people. Hell, let’s just talk. It’s something not enough people do.
I am a firm believer in mutual respect and communication. I do not bias people on things they cannot control (age, race, gender, etc.), because it is the person who makes the person, not what color their eyes are. And, therfore, I judge on merit alone. There are a lot of things that follow if this is a belief you follow.
First, I give everyone an equal chance. Just as I do not judge udly against someone, I also do not judge unduly for someone. Each person I meet I leave open to allow him or her to be.. him or her. I believe that everyone has the right to pursue their happiness, as long as they are not sacrificing others to themself, or themself to others.
Second, I listen. A lot of people can hear, but not everyone can listen. Just as it important to be able to communicate your wants, beliefs, and values, it is also important to hear what others have to say. Not only will they be respected, but you will also learn and grow.
Third, (there are many more, but I shall limit it to three..) it’s about, as I said, respect. Unless someone has done something to degrade their merit, everyone person around me gets respect. Respect as a person, respect for a conceptual mind, respect for the chance to be a person and to be happy. As a manager, I have proven myself time and time again to have happy people working for me (even in dire situations) if not for only that fact. Sadly, I do not see everyone treating each other this way. I know most of my life, I have been treated down or made to work harder, because of things like my age. I have been an achiever from a very early age, but in every situation, I get held back and unsupported because of that lack of respect. True, some may argue it makes you stronger. But, I don’t think you have to have the trauma to make you stronger. In fact, I think you’re stronger when properly support and allowed to grow, instead of held back by those around you.
We are motivated by our pride in accomplishing our goals. Hold respect and listen to the people around you–especially the people you care about–and you will all grow, be supported, be strong… and hey, you can be happy, too.