“If we could change ourselves, the trends in the world would also change. Just as a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world towards him … We don’t need to wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Not long ago I posted the following message on Facebook:
Seek respect, not attention; lasts longer.
There is real human suffering in our country and around the world, but we all have to step up to help because this is the reality, we are all in this thing called life: together. No one is better than anyone. And, as the saying goes, “There, save by the grace of God, I go.”
Is it just me, or are you tired of the relentless stream of neurosis, disrespect, yelling and screaming that divides us on almost each and every level? If an idea or statement is made, it seems like there will be someone who will take up the issue and as soon as you can snap your fingers, there is debate, especially on social media. Often times, these “debates” turn into online name calling, trolling, and outright disrespect. I’ve seen several conversations closed in church and non-profit social media groups, which is ridiculous when you think about it, because if people can’t have substantive and productive debates and discussions in these areas, where can they discuss social issues? critical?
This is my message: we are better than this.
I believe that nonprofit civic and religious leaders can help elevate civil discourse.
Social media has been great because, in practice, it has crossed borders. Connecting with people from all over the world is easy. For many organizations and groups, social media has dramatically reduced marketing and advertising costs, increased awareness, and leveraged resources.
But I think that as we become more “connected”, there is an incredible divide. The division has to end.
Church, civic and nonprofit leaders can help our communities recover.
Do you remember the golden rule?
The golden rule was simple and I think leaders should remember it every morning when heading to work and ask that their teams adhere to its principles.
The golden rule has a religious origin. It comes from the words that Jesus said in the “Sermon on the Mount.” The principles became religious teachings incorporated into the Bible.
Matthew 7:12: “So, in everything, do with others what you would like them to do to you, because this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Those words are so simple: treat others as you would like to be treated.
I think our society is in a precarious place. We don’t listen to each other. We are yelling and screaming side by side. We ignore each other.
And this is the most important thing to me: many of us are waiting for attention and for the world to listen to us, and we are not giving others the same respect.
This has to stop.
I believe that church, civic, and nonprofit leaders are in a unique position. Often, because of their position in the communities, they are leaders.
If you are like me and tired of the relentless division that is happening, then commit yourself today to being the change you want to see. It doesn’t take much.
- Post the golden rule in your office in a prominent place, so that it is the first thing people see when they enter your offices.
- Create an atmosphere of gratitude. Here’s the reality, if your team members and everyone you come in contact with throughout the day have the feeling that you, as a community leader, are grateful for them, you’re giving them an amazing message. Gratitude is an element of respect.
- Be sure to treat all members of your team and the community with respect and kindness, and expect each member of your team to do the same. Make this non-negotiable in your organization, regardless of difficult circumstances or discussions.
- If you are a community leader (or any type of leader), listen up. I think one of the biggest problems in the world today is that everyone expects to be heard, but only a few listen. Hear. Learn. Understand.
- Walk with the talk. As a community leader, many church, nonprofit and civic leaders occupy a special position in their communities. If you are one of these leaders, do what you preach. Model the respect, generous praise, courtesy, and listening skills that you would like to see in others. Lead by example.
Each of us, especially community leaders, can ensure that in our part of the world we begin to foster an atmosphere of peace, respect, and positive discourse and civil discussion. Each of us has to do our part to make the world better, and I believe civic, church and non-profit leaders can play a unique role in the dialogue and public discourse that is happening.