I met with someone this morning that reminded me of a really important concept – people. Yes, people are complicated, and each and every individual is a concept or perhaps several concepts in one package. Working with others, helping others, existing in harmony with others is one of the single most important things we do as people.
Your people, my people, our people, the people that report to you, that you report to, that you work with, worship with, go to school with, and even ride the bus with are all individuals part of a larger cohesive whole. How we treat them is the very definition of who we are.
Tough concept for me. I tend to be an introvert. Meaning, if I had a choice – wandering by myself in the wilderness would be my first choice. Avoiding people! I have met others like me, and I think it is not because of a dislike of people, it is because of too much concern and compassion for others – it causes stress! So you you tend to want to avoid it, rather then embrace interaction with others.
However, that does not excuse me from one of the most important things about human existence and that is the relationship that I have with others. Critically important for my own progress and for the benefit of others around me. In essence, if you want to progress then you MUST engage people, and to do so in a positive and uplifting way. People magnify your efforts. Without people your efforts are singular and subject to being blocked or prevented by another person. When people are behind your efforts, you not only accomplish your singular effort, but also the magnified effort of all the people supporting you.
Such a foolish notion to treat other people with disrespect, or to dismiss them, or to ignore them. People, and your relationship to them, are absolutely critical for any effort or commitment you might have made. This is hard for me and probably one of my greatest weaknesses. I am glad for the conversation this morning, it reminding me of a key and critical element to the commitments that I have been keeping – to involve people wherever I can. To seek feedback, to give feedback. To provide encouragement and in return gain encouragement.
Yup. People are important!
Guy Reams
26 Days Left to 1st Marathon
