The Right Thing 101: Valuing, Appreciating, Trusting, Respecting, Understanding, and Avoiding Taking Advantage of Others

The Right Thing 101: Valuing, Appreciating, Trusting, Respecting, Understanding, and Avoiding Taking Advantage of Others

In John Maxwell's 6 Principles, he outlines the fundamental aspects of what we all desire as human beings. We want to be valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and we don't want others to take advantage of us. These principles serve as the foundation of ethics and guide us in our interactions with others.

Valuing others for who they are, rather than for what they can do, is a crucial aspect of treating others ethically. When we value others, we acknowledge their worth as human beings and show them respect. By valuing others, we create an environment that fosters trust and appreciation.

Appreciation is another essential element in treating others ethically. Taking the time to thank people and give credit where it's due goes a long way in making others feel valued and respected. Showing appreciation not only boosts morale but also strengthens relationships and encourages collaboration.

Trust is a vital component of any healthy relationship. As Henry L. Stinson said, "The only way you can make a man trustworthy is by trusting him." By extending trust to others, we create an atmosphere of mutual respect and reliability. Trusting others shows that we believe in their abilities and character, which in turn encourages them to act in a trustworthy manner.

Respect is a powerful tool that leaders possess. When we respect others, we empower them to perform at their best and inspire them to strive for excellence. Respect creates a sense of dignity and equality, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Understanding others is an essential aspect of treating them ethically. By putting ourselves in their shoes and meeting them where they are, we show empathy and compassion. Understanding others requires us to take the initiative to connect with them, rather than expecting them to do all the work. By doing so, we build stronger relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.

Lastly, we must avoid taking advantage of others. If our actions can be interpreted as taking advantage of someone, it is a clear indication that what we are doing is wrong. Treating others ethically means ensuring that our actions are fair and considerate, without exploiting or manipulating others for personal gain.

Now, let's shift our focus to productivity and the ultimate hack: saying no. When we say no, we are only declining one option. However, when we say yes, we are automatically saying no to countless other possibilities. Time is our most valuable asset, and saying no allows us to protect and prioritize it.

Saying no is a decision, while saying yes is a responsibility. By developing the skill to say no, we retain control over our time, preventing others from stealing it from us. Steve Jobs once said, "People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully."

Saying no doesn't mean we never say yes; it means we default to saying no and only say yes when it truly aligns with our priorities and goals. This concept is similar to Derek Sivers' famous "Hell Yeah or No" method. If an opportunity excites us enough to drop everything else, then it's a yes. If not, we should carefully consider whether it's worth our time and energy.

Just as in health, prevention is better than cure, the same holds true for productivity. More effort is wasted on tasks that don't matter than on doing things inefficiently. Therefore, the skill of elimination becomes more valuable than optimization. As Peter Drucker once said, "There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all."

In conclusion, treating others ethically and prioritizing our time are two crucial aspects of living a fulfilling and productive life. By valuing, appreciating, trusting, respecting, understanding, and avoiding taking advantage of others, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Additionally, saying no and eliminating non-essential tasks allows us to focus on what truly matters and make the most of our time. So, let's remember these principles and apply them in our daily lives to create a positive impact on ourselves and those around us.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Take the time to show appreciation and thank people whenever possible. Small gestures of gratitude can go a long way in making others feel valued.

• 2. Practice saying no and prioritize your time. Think carefully before committing to new projects or tasks, and only say yes if it aligns with your goals and priorities.

• 3. Evaluate your tasks and eliminate those that don't contribute to your overall goals. Focus on doing what truly matters and avoid wasting time on unnecessary activities.