The Grandma Dynamic

“If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything.” This was once a bit of training mothers told their children. From my observations, I don’t think this bit of advice is passed on anymore. It also seems that many who were taught this no longer remember it.

This teaching is a good summary of respect. This statement teaches about valuing others. It teaches about being sensitive to other peoples feelings and opinions. We can have different opinions and beliefs, but respect those of others. We can have different opinions and beliefs, but be polite and courteous in our discussion about those subjects.

Sometimes we can be disrespectful of others because of the tone of our voice or the attitude which we have. If we think we are better than the person we are engaging with, we will be condescending to them. We need to be humble and value others. Most everyone we engage with are more learned or less learned than we find ourselves. Being exactly the same in learning, wisdom, experience, beliefs, skill and life experience as someone else is impossible.

An adage in business is “Treat them like they are your grandmother.” Why is this a good bit of wisdom to incorporate into your life? Because everybody loves and respects their grandma. Or at least 98% of people. People don’t “talk down” to their grandma. Even if their grandma doesn’t understand the subject very well or at all. We are patient with them… even extreme pull your hair out kind of patience. We don’t say mean things to our grandma. We don’t swear at our grandma. We don’t try to deceive or take advantage of our grandma. The list can go on and on. I hope you get the idea.

What if your grandma drove in to the dealership and came in for help with her car. Would you tell her to wait before you helped her? Or would you greet her at her car? Would you listen patiently and ask questions to fully understand her concern? Or would you just get the bare minimum information and assume the rest? Would you carefully explain what the repair process would be and how much it would cost? Or would you leave her in the dark about what, how much and when? Would you rush to repair the car and cut corners? Or would you do the best repair you know how to do? Would you clean the car really well or just so, so? Would you explain everything that was done clearly and bring her car up close? Or would you just send her on her way without an explanation and a “your car should be out there in the lot”?

And what if your grandma was someone you worked with? How do you treat your team mates? Think about it.

How do you treat others? Do you really respect your customers and your coworkers? Do you really respect your friends? Do you really respect those in your neighborhood and community? Do your really respect those in authority over you?

Respect is an important character trait. It is a trait that I see slipping away from our society. I challenge you to Pursue Great! and be someone who works to bring respect to your workplace, your neighborhood, your community and your country.

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