Do Unto Others Or At Least Cut Them Some Slack

From Vivian Scott’s Conflicts Of InterestBlog

A reporter contacted me the other day to ask my opinion about healthy anger versus unhealthy anger on the job. Toward the end of the interview she asked what I thought about the airline employee who made the national news for losing his cool, grabbing a beer, and walking (okay, sliding) off the job. His actions made him an instant folk hero presumably because there isn’t a one of us who hasn’t fantasized about doing the same thing at one time or another.

Before answering her question I had to stop and think back to my initial, uncensored reaction to the news piece. I think I blurted out something like, “Wow, that’s hilarious!” Okay, coming from someone who’s supposed to coach and guide people through conflicts with dignity, I admit that being momentarily entertained by his actions probably wasn’t the most professional response. I did, however, quickly pull myself together and look for the learning in the story.

Upon further reflection I decided that there is quite a contradiction between what we want from customers and co-workers, and what we give to others. When we’re on the job we expect others to treat us with respect and dignity, right? So, why is it we can so easily turn into the snotty lady or condescending guy when someone else is just trying to do his job? I’m not sure what makes us lose our dignity and jump right into a fight with a complete stranger but I don’t think the world is out to get us. Even though it often feels like the cashier at the store or the receptionist at the doctor’s office spent the entire morning plotting how they could ruin our day, I’m pretty certain they didn’t. Rather than believe the silly stories we tell ourselves about the motivation of others, I’ve learned over the years to switch out the negative explanations with those that are a bit more compassionate. It helps me keep my blood pressure down and I’m sure the employees I deal with appreciate me for it.

If you’re interested in taking a similar approach, feel free to start with a few explanations I use on a regular basis:

Situation: A delivery van driver cuts me off in traffic

Old explanation: He treats everyone with disrespect because he’s a complete and utter jerk

New explanation: He’s distracted because last night his wife told him she has breast cancer

Situation: The cashier snaps at me when I question the total on my receipt

Old explanation: She’s incompetent and will be embarrassed when she finds her mistake

New explanation: Her baby is at home with a high fever and she’s worried about him

Situation: The customer service rep I call is condescending when I ask for a refund

Old explanation: He’s lazy and doesn’t want to help me

New explanation: He found out he didn’t get into the school he wanted and just wants to call his mom

Situation: The receptionist ignores me

Old explanation: She’s rude

New explanation: She’s the delivery van driver’s wife

                       

Vivian Scott

Vivian Scott is a Professional Certified Mediator and the author of Conflict Resolution at Work For Dummies.  She spent many years in the competitive and often stress-filled world of high tech marketing where she realized resolving conflict within the confines of office politics was paramount to success.  Through creative solutions… MORE >