Community, part deux...

I wrote a blog last week about community and shortly thereafter, I read about two great examples to warm the cockles of your heart...

Numero Uno:::
I know these people, but I don't. It's complicated. A family of 5; Mom, Dad, and three handsome little boys. Daddy has been fighting cancer this year. Fighting hard, facing it like a man. Mommy seems as sweet as pie and just wrote this in their journal:

"...last night was Ken's company banquet. I am still blown away at the love Ken's partner's at work show us. It is unbelievable to me that these men we have known for only a little over 3 years, worked and gave us Ken's portion of unearned income to pay our bills. While Ken was fighting for his life those 5-6 months, these men gave him the peace and comfort of knowing that his family was being taken care of. They are amazing men and I am honored to know them."

I got goosebumps when I read that because that's EXACTLY how people should react when faced with this type of situation. Those men probably worked twice as hard so that they could take care of another man's family when they were in distress. They didn't have to do that. It's easy to feel sympathetic towards someone, it's another thing to do something about it!

The second example is this. I'll let our buddy Ross tell you in his own words since I enjoy the way he writes. ;)

Do you have any other examples to share with me?

Don't trip on your power...

I remember reading Dilbert since I was a kid, but I never really "got it" until I worked in an office. And now that I've worked in several offices, it's amazing how true to life these satirical strips are!

This particular one made me ponder the world for a moment. Our priorities really are this twisted, where business is king and kindness is a vagabond. I've been in dozens of situations where someone in charge (usually a "Power Bitch" who seems to be constantly PMSing...you know the type...) strictly makes their judgements by thinking of what's best for the company. Never even considering that they could make a difference in someone's world AND create a more dedicated understudy, just by giving an ounce of compassion.

I recall one time in particular that still raises my blood pressure when I think about it. I had been in Texas for about a month and was working at a Wells Fargo Motorbank. Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday, so I requested to have that day off about 3.5 weeks in advance. Well, when I picked up my schedule for that week, I noticed that they scheduled me to work a full day on VDay! I went to my PB Manager and asked her about it and she just brushed me off by saying "oh, I couldn't find anyone to fill in for you". That was the beginning of the end for me. I gave my 2 weeks notice shortly thereafter. I will never work for someone that inconsiderate again. She was single, overweight, and unhappy. So I'm sure she got some sort of cheap thrill from her power trip.

Though some successful people might call this foolish, I would encourage you (& myself) to base every decision on morality and integrity. Always think about how you would feel if you were in the other person's place. Be the change.