What does it mean to be Grounded In Regard for Others? Well, it is this simple: don’t be selfish! We live in an age that seems to be all about “me, me, me.” Depending on when you were born, and how grounded those around you were when you were growing up, your idea of regard for others can be less than optimal. When we think of other people before ourselves, we see options and opportunities that are different than when we focused only on ourselves. Say the fire alarm goes off in your office…do you grab your personal items and head for the nearest exit, or do you look around and see if there is anyone who needs assistance? Maybe there is a co-worker who is disabled and could use your help in exiting the building more quickly. Always ask yourself, “Am I solely thinking about myself and my desires, or am I considering the needs of others?”
Of course, there are always extremes. A total narcissist is completely oblivious to the needs of others. There are also people who do not think of themselves at all, and completely defer to the thoughts and demands of another. Neither of these extremes are healthy. We can have regard for others and still have a healthy sense of self- preservation. If you are a senior manager or business owner, do you earnestly seek out opinions or ideas from your employees, even if you know that they may run counter to your own? As an entrepreneur, I consistently asked for (and received) the opinions and ideas of my employees. Sometimes I had responses that were hard to take. Sometimes I changed my thinking based on external input. Other times, I did not. I always had an open mind, however, and was willing to listen to alternative perspectives. Remember that listening to outside opinions does not obligate you to make any actions based on the responses you receive. Just listen. If you choose not to take the advice or counsel offered, explain why, without apology. Then, thank them for offering counsel and encourage them to continue to do so.
Again, you’re human, so you’re going to make mistakes. You can’t get every decision right. When you are faced with a choice of action, though, particularly in a crisis situation, start by asking yourself, “What will most benefit others that are affected by this situation?” Most likely, solutions that work for the good of those around you will also work out well for you.