THE ESSENCE OF CIVILITY

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks."

James Allen, 19th century British philosopher/author

And we have the opportunity to do so throughout the day, everyday.

. . . To the person who holds a door open for you.

. . . To the one who waves you in front of them on the freeway.

. . . To the individual who helps you any way possible without asking for anything in return.

Let them know you appreciate their help.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses."

Proverb

A poetic description of giving.

How and when each of us help others is an individual decision, but there should be no question that we will help.

IT'S YOUR TURN

"In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich."

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) American politician.

There was a time when you were beginning your career you could have and hopefully did benefit from the help of someone older, more experienced.

Now you have the knowledge to help someone who is what you once were.

Just starting.

There are many ways to do this; what will you do?

I'LL THANK YOU NOT TO BE INGRATEFUL

"Too great a hurry to discharge an obligation is a kind of ingratitude."

François de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680) French writer

Remember to thank those who helped you on your way up while you are on your way up.

WHAT YOU (SHOULD) DO

"The powerful play goes on -- and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"

Unknown

The "play" is life, your "verse" what you do to make things better for others.

Very Little Alone, Much Together

“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” 

John Lennon

The Beatles

Very little worth achieving, and nothing I can think of now, is accomplished alone.

If you have something you want to do, be, or change, you need others.

Find them.

Can I Help You?

"When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching."

Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

19th century English politician

There is a time and place for lecturing, preaching to employees, but sometimes the more effective alternative is to simply help.

But as I often ask, how do we balance the need for each, particularly in those situations when there are many more employees needing help than we have time to give?

Here's Where You Went Wrong . . .

"They condemn what they do not understand."

Marcus Tulius Cicero

1st century BC Roman politician

Now, when it is me being criticized I see the wisdom in this however when I am constructively pointing out someone else's faults, I don't.

How about you?

Your Contribution?

"No person was ever honored for what he received.  He was honored for what he gave."

Calvin Coolidge

30th president of the United States

True in business as well and not just corporate charity.  How much of what, and to who, do you personally give in your work life?

Employees: On Their Own?

"The will to win is useless if you don't have the will to prepare."

Thane Yost
Author

This relates to yesterday's post; one of the reasons people fail to get things done as expected.

It makes me wonder how much discussion managers have with employees regarding how they will achieve their objectives as opposed to what those objectives are.

How much (if at all) should a manager get involved with how the work will be done?