Day 122 | What About You?
Do you know someone who could behave better? They hurt your feelings, are not productive, or... whatever?
The bottom line is they need to change.
That may be true, BUT what happens when you apply the same judgmental standard to yourself?
Very often, the honest answer is that in this area you need to improve too.
I suggest you try this discipline this week:
- When someone's behavior bothers you, pause and consider how you can improve in that area. Maybe this means you have to make a note on your phone so you make time later to consider the truth about your behavior in this area.
- Even when their behavior is OBVIOUSLY much worse than yours, work on improving yourself and then address theirs later when it does not need immediate attention.
Apply this even with people you do not like. Surprisingly, you may realize behaviors you have in common with people who bother you.
Consider John Ortberg's series on The Truth About You that he began on March 9. I do not agree with the way his team did a "fishbowl" exercise because it only focused on the negatives, but John brings up many intriguing challenges. His approach is thought provoking and worth the listening time during your commute or workouts.
DISCLAIMER: This is not a spiritual recommendation. This teaching encourages self-reflection and growth rather than instinctively focusing almost all of our time judging others. If you hate Christians, John actually challenges people to be more loving. His standard of Christian behavior extends to many other beliefs and are areas where everyone can easily agree.
Self-reflection based on truth is one of the greatest challenges for leaders. This is a good investment of your time.
The truth is that it is easy to judge people. It is difficult to lead them to the best of your ability. Focus more on developing yourself to be a humble 3Strands LEADER and you will judge people harshly, ineffectively and/or incorrectly less often.
It is Monday. ACCOUNTABILITY TIME!
- Did you take Sanctuary time over the weekend to improve your focus?
- How did you do on your 3Strands last week?
- Have you defined your 3Strands for this week?
- By 9:00 a.m. this morning you should have 3Strands emails from each of your direct reports.
Stay on track.
