I already spent forty minutes writing an essay this morning about leadership, management and showing gratitude and appreciation. (That’s definitely a recurring theme for me.) I’d gone on at some length about the comparative effectiveness of dominating management versus appreciative leadership. I think my points were well-founded and completely justified. After reflecting on my own writing, I’ve decided to go with very succinct summary instead.

So here it is: if you are in charge of others in any setting and you are not treating those people the way that you yourself desire to be treated, then you are not following the Golden Rule and you are not following the teaching, example or commands of Jesus the Christ.

If you are treating people with contempt, arrogance or indifference and you enjoy that, then you are a sadist. If you are treating people that way and that actually is how you want to be treated, then you are a masochist. I suppose both could be true but neither of them is healthy. For you or for others.

Jesus said “From those to whom much is given, much will be demanded.” That applies to authority, income, natural ability and a host of other things. If you claim to be a Christian use your position, role and performance to glorify him. And there is not much that brings more glory to Christ than treating others with love, respect and appreciation.

If you are not a Christian, treat others with decency, respect and appreciation because it is more effective, leads to greater productivity and increases longevity. If you truly are a decent person, you will feel better.

It also makes the world a better place to be.

H. Arnett
2/24/17

H. Arnett
2/24/17