Sometimes when you fear the worst in people, you can destroy the best.
Our expectations of people powerfully impact their behavior, especially at the margin. This does not mean that a few words of encouragement will turn a slacker into a star performer, but it does mean that an authentic concern for their wellbeing coupled with a genuine belief that they are capable of more will, in many circumstances, bring the best available in them to the forefront. That best may not be enough and in that case, you must face facts and deal with it, be it a personal relationship or business one but at least you found the best there was to be found.
Believing people UP, believing the best of them, choosing the kindest, most favorable of the possible interpretations of their actions and words is an excellent approach to take to life. Helps your peace of mind too! While certainly not advocating naïve trust in dangerous situations or ignoring blunt reality, there is a lot to be gained by believing in people, for having faith in their goodness, for extending them a line of “trust credit”.
Closing Quotes:
“Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be and he will become what he should be.” – Johann Goethe
“One comes to believe whatever one repeats to oneself sufficiently often, whether the statement be true or false.” – Robert Collier, 1885-1950
“Our life is what our thoughts make it. A man will find that as he alters his thoughts toward things and other people, things and other people will alter towards him.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier