Point to Ponder: “I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” - Jackie Robinson
Story Line:
Once upon a time, a company hired a young fellow who had just graduated from college. He impressed his colleagues with his high energy, unlimited enthusiasm and superb attitude. He kept on delivering great results and rose fast through the ranks. In a few years, his reputation grew and became Go to Guy for many colleagues as well as senior management.
Irony or what but what motivated this person was neither money or promotion but recognition of his work. And he equated recognition with more challenges with more projects. His manager and senior executives liked him and constantly challenged him with difficult assignments.
One day there was reorganization as it happens in companies and a new manager arrived. He had heard about the reputation of this young fellow and wanted to check out first hand. After a few minutes of chat, the new manager asked him "How old are you?" When the fellow mentioned his age, the manager replied "Only 25 and you are already at this level in organization? I had not even reached that level at 36. Don't get any more ideas about Promotion for next few years."
This new manager took pride in his "No Nonsense, Direct" style. He even shared his meeting conversation with his two bosses. Both Bosses looked at each other and knew right then and there that they would loose that young fellow. The very thing that kept that young man highly motivated was undermined: Respect.
Anyway, that young man is the owner of a very successful business and every client he has dealt with seeks him out again and again for his services. His business is growing leaps and bounds.
Reflection: from Thurgood Marshall speech
Certain people have a way of saying things that shake us at the core. Even when the words do not seem harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent behind the words. When we intend to do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens. What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot sugarcoat the feelings in our heart of hearts. The emotion is the energy that motivates. We cannot ignore what we really want to create. We should be honest and do it the way we feel it. What we owe to ourselves and everyone around is to examine the reasons of our true intent.