Leadership influence and character Archives - Page 7 of 14

On Kindness & Disrespect

September 30, 2018 by Zero Dean

You can be a kind person and still be the kind of person who yells profanity at the car that cuts you off in traffic. Being kind and not tolerating bullshit are not mutually exclusive. Being a kind person doesn’t mean you can’t verbalize your disapproval for disrespect.

Crossing paths with idiots is never an excuse to act badly and you should always strive to set a good example, but it doesn’t mean you have to stay silent or put up with abuse.

Sometimes the biggest favor you can do someone is to stay calm and speak the truth. And sometimes that truth is, “You’re being an asshole and here’s why…” At other times it may mean not giving your time and attention to someone who doesn’t respect it.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be a Zen Master. And you certainly don’t have to tolerate bullshit. Just lead with kindness and always do your best. Even when others are not at their own.

Living in harmony

June 16, 2017 by Zero Dean

Being able to live in harmony with others is largely dependent on being able to effectively communicate with those who choose to live their lives differently than you do.

Spewing negativity and hate doesn’t lead to less hate and negativity. Break the chain. Lead by example.

Just because it sounds good doesn’t make it true

January 30, 2017 by Zero Dean

Just because it sounds good doesn’t make it true. Always seek the whole truth, not just the version that pleases you.

Remaining closed to factual evidence that contradicts what you believe doesn’t make the truth less truthful, it simply supports a distorted view of life based on limited information, half-truths, or outright lies.

People are often content to believe lies as long those lies fit the narrative they wish to follow.

Always remember that people naturally seek evidence to support what they already believe. It doesn’t make them bad people. It does, however, make them impressionable to those who use this fact against them.

People are happy to root for the bad guy if the bad guy repeatedly reaffirms what they already believe. It doesn’t have to be true. It just has to fit the narrative they already believe.

When seeking the truth, be sure to consider evidence that challenges your beliefs. Otherwise, it isn’t the truth you seek, it’s simply confirmation of what you already believe.

When compassionate souls sit silent

January 29, 2017 by Zero Dean

It is a sad day when compassionate souls sit silent and leave unchallenged abuses and acts of aggression out of fear of losing friends that are only their friends as long as they remain silent and hide what they feel.

If someone is going to abandon your friendship because you feel empathy and compassion towards others, believe in human rights, and are against discrimination, lying, and abuses of power, then they really aren’t the kind of friend you want in your life anyway.

A true friend will never insist that you hide who you are and how you feel.

Always be the best version of yourself

January 27, 2017 by Zero Dean

Refuse to let the decline of inspiring leadership, integrity, personal responsibility, and rational thinking deter you from setting the best example you can for others to follow. Don’t lower your standards to confront other people on their level. Always be the best version of yourself that you can be.

These things are not ok

December 20, 2016 by Zero Dean

Abuse is NOT OK.
Bullying is NOT OK.
Lying is NOT OK.
Torture is NOT OK.
Sexual Assault is NOT OK.
Discrimination is NOT OK.

And no amount of twisted logic or intimidation makes them ok.

RESIST

Be the indispensable lead of your own life story

February 22, 2016 by Zero Dean

“If you don’t build your own dream someone else will hire you to help build theirs.” — Tony Gaskins Jr.

It’s better to be the indispensable lead of your own life story than a dispensable part of someone else’s.

Remember to live your life by choice not by chance.

“Don’t put the key to your happiness is someone else’s pocket.”

Have a purpose. Set goals. Aim high. And take action.

“When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.”

Direct your life. Don’t just drift.

“The amount of satisfaction you get from life depends largely on your own ingenuity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. People who wait around for life to supply their satisfaction usually find boredom instead.” — Dr. William Menninger

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