I once heard it said that self improvement is just another word for changing oneself. And doing that isn’t comfortable and takes courage. There are lots of things that aren’t comfortable to do, like doing what’s right. I found myself in that kind of situation this week. It’s easy to just take the least path of resistance and that is what I had been doing. However, one thing I have found even if I don’t do it right off the bat like I should, is I always feel better after I do the right thing no matter how long it takes or how difficult it is to take action in that direction.
How Long Are You Going To Stay Uncomfortable? Until The Fire Burns You?
You’re probably wondering what it is that happened this week to inspire me to write about the topic of self improvement. Well, I’ll tell you and then I’ll give you a bonus example to help bring everything home for you. I have been working for a manager that has been showing his lack of people skills to most everyone in the department. However, he has shown an extreme lack of leadership and professionalism directed to me over and beyond anyone else in the department. For about 2 and ½ years I’ve been utilizing my self improvement skills to counter his brash of insults, disrespect, condescending behavior and inequity decision making towards me. Also, during this time I tried to work with him and help him to grow by providing him feedback and opportunity to open the paths of communication and cooperative interfacing. None of that worked and so this week I attempted to put a stop to it and sent him a message that this kind of behavior is not only unacceptable, but will not be tolerated any longer. I notified his manager who was completely unaware of the things he had been doing. Keep in mind if you are in a similar situation that this action may not be the right one for you, but it was for me.
Now the point is I could have kept on “taking it” or I could have “ran for the hills” and left the company. Perhaps I could have done any number of things in an attempt to resolve the issue. This one individual was acting in this way and all other employees exhibit a very professional behavior. So for me, I believe leaving the company isn’t worthwhile over one person even if the person is my boss. I’m sure most people have been placed into situations where they have to work with difficult people and that my situation isn’t unique. So, I’m sure you can relate and I feel really good about getting this issue on the road to resolution. Not only will I be helping myself, but I’ll be helping others that work with him as well, now and in the future. I’m sure he will learn from this experience as he is new to management.
Here’s the bonus example. I was with an organization where some changes were made that went against my morals, like being truthful and open with others who have a vested interest, seeking to understand and work through differences, searching for solutions that are in everyone’s best interest and so on. Because the behavior of this organization went against my core values, I could no longer be affiliated with it and I left and found another place that I believe is in harmony with my core values. It wasn’t easy, took courage, and it didn’t feel comfortable to do, but it was the right thing to do. My suggestion to you is to do what feels right and not what is always the easiest thing to do.
Thanks very much everyone and have a great week,
Kevin Levine
Mr. Self Help
Believe Yourself To Success Because Belief Equals Possibility
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