“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. said that. While his cause was immeasurably important, his words serve as a reminder, an inspiration for the everyday person who’s declared they want to realize their potential.
Those who embody this wisdom know that achievement – success – lies in resolving an enormous amount of conflicts daily. You have your agenda, I have mine, she has hers, and he his. (High performing teams have the same.)
When we disapprove of the behavior of others, it’s magnetically tempting to succumb to low-road actions. Yet, the pain we endure for doing so is unbearable for anyone with a conscience; the reward for being true to your values is a reward without description.
Go get your reward.
My 13 year old son just had an experience which is embodied in this thought. Over the holidays, he and two others had a dreaded ‘group project’ to do. As is usual, one of the teammates was involved and responded to the work on her plate, the third teammate rarely responded and hardly contributed. It is fair to say (even as his mother) that my son spent 40-50 hours working on the project, while others on the team possibly spent 10. The project was presented at school and of course, the one who did the least amount of work got the accolades from their peers. My son came home really upset. We brainstormed all kinds of ‘mean things’ to do to the slacker/credit-taker as a form of catharsis, and at the end of the day, my son took the high road. He focused on what he learned and gained from the project, recognized the leadership he showed and was happy that the whole team got credit for a job well done. He chose not to hate (although he may not pick that classmate for future group projects).
Karen: Thank you for sharing this brilliant example in how your son and you processed this situation. Some lessons are hard and yet priceless.
Karen, thanks for this inspiring story – a clear example that taking the high road is always a choice. This story of your son’s experience will help me remember that there is always a healthy way to respond and that it serves me and others when I choose that path.
Last week I was pondering how to take care of an issue I was having with a co-worker. All of my thoughts were taking me off the path and onto the low road. Before acting upon anything I decided to try to stay on the path, on the high road and how to be the best ever in this interaction. I went to work and typed up a plan and submitted it to my boss and he was very happy I chose the high road. He will take the information I gave him that will I believe win over my co-worker to the positive side of the energy circle and resolve many issues in the process. Greg Peterson
Greg: Your leadership and ability to leverage your Awareness Muscle and see this “Magic Moment.” That’s some serious integrity you should be proud of. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite quote from the late Rev. Dr., Martin Luther King, Jr. is one that transcends every facet of ones life, both personal and professional. It is innately transformative and will free those whom embrace it from the tyranny of mediocrity, moreover, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve. That is the new definition of GREATNESS!” Imaging if yours was a culture built upon the auspice of serving others? You would listen more intently, devote yourself more passionately, and as a result position your team and self to be more consistent, effective, and productive, notwithstanding bring wellness to your community. You need only consider the evidence of this one man’s (MLK, Jr’s) life accomplishments and his motive (serving others) for doing them to see this. He was an ordinary many with extraordinary desire to serve others.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr., Day!
Thank you, John, for sharing the quote that inspires your leadership. Thanks for all you do to demonstrate servant leadership. Here’s to your greatness (and all that makes you extraordinary).