Be Kind.
It will take you further
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 29:11 (ESV)
The ER is run by people. People who must be competent, but are not perfect. When imperfect people get together to do something, the outcome can sometimes be imperfect. This is where grievances come in. Someone is not happy with their care, someone interprets a facial expression as hostile, or someone doesn’t like another person’s attitude.
We face this kind of thing in our lives outside the ER as well. At work. At school. At the office. On the golf course. In the trenches. When we work around and interact with other people, the result is not always perfect.
But though everyone should do their best to avoid conflict, it’s the response I’m concerned with today.
Civilized societies know that to have peace with others, one must act peaceably. To react with anger and hostility only worsens the problem, and shapes others’ view of you. You will quickly be labeled a “fool”, a pain in the backside. People will not react favorably, and I can speak from experience they will stop caring about your concern, problem, or complaint and you will be ignored.
If you continue to act aggressively, security will be called, and you will be escorted out. Your complaint will not be solved, and you will disappear from the minds of those you were rude to, at least until they need an anecdote to share with their friends. Then they will laugh at you.
Is this the result you want?
I would hope not. So how do we avoid it?
By being kind.
It sounds simplistic, but it’s true. The best way to get attention from someone, the best way to convince someone what you have to say is valid, the best way to garner a genuine attempt to help you is to be kind.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
It is time we start treating each other as we would like to be treated. They will be happier. You will be happier.
And maybe, just maybe, we can create a better world for everyone.
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