How do you handle the changing times?
How do you maintain
your standards in a politically correct atmosphere?
We live by a certain set of standards, a code of honour if
you will. There are certain things that we will not do because those things go
against our beliefs and the standards which we have set for ourselves.
Many of our principles are not open to compromise; they are
set in stone and we refuses to bend where they are concerned, but this does not
mean that we is inflexible.
Although our being is not willing to bend where our
principles are concerned, we must be flexible in our strategy.
We have to be able to adapt to the changing circumstances.
The willow bends and adapts during the storm and is not broken, where the
mighty oak does not bend and will break during the storm.
We must be able to change tactics as the situation changes.
We will adapt our methods to that which the present circumstance requires.
Not
to do so would be foolish and costly.
This is not to say that the we should lower our standards or
set aside our ethics as we sees fit.
There is a difference in changing your
strategy to fit the circumstances and in changing your ethics to suit the
situation.
This is where time spent meditating on your code of ethics
and honour comes into play. You must be clear about what you believe and why
you hold those beliefs.
Change your methods to accomplish your goal; don’t
compromise your ethics to serve your methods.
This may seem like a subtle distinction,
but it is an important one, especially for the one who wants a righteous life.
In today's society, our culture is changing rapidly. This
means that the we will have to adapt our strategies and methods to be
successful in today's political climate.
While being straight forward is to be commended, you do have
to carefully consider both your actions and your words, especially in a
politically correct, litigation crazy culture. Trying to handle situations the
same way as might have even 50 years ago can get you into big trouble.
For example, 50 years ago, if some jerk was using file
language or being crude and obnoxious at a public gathering, in front of
ladies, chances are there would be a man there who would shut his mouth for
him, and not in a peaceful way.
On top of that, those around him who have most likely been
appreciative of his actions, and if by chance law enforcement was called, they
would have probably hauled the obnoxious jerk off to jail instead of the guy
who punched this bum in the mouth. Times have changed...
Today, if the same thing happened, it is pretty much
considered commonplace. Everyone would basically go about their own business
and the jerk would not be called out concerning his behaviour.
And, if by chance someone did address his behaviour and
punched him in the mouth, guess who will end up going to the jail house?
Not the file-mouthed jerk, oh no, he was innocently
assaulted by some macho brute. This is just one example, but you get the point.
One has to adapt and change his strategies for handling
situations like the one described above. Not to do so is simply unwise.
This
doesn't mean that you have to allow things such as I described above go
unaddressed; it simply mean that you have to be smart and determine a better -
more acceptable way of addressing inappropriate behaviour.
"If one method fails, try another, and suit your
methods to the characters you have to deal with."
Emerson stated
Today's one has to deal with a totally different breed of
characters.
It is to your advantage to adapt your methods and strategies
to fit the culture and the people that you have to deal with in today's
society.
Adhere to the virtues of old, but make sure that you adapt
your actions to the times.
Change your strategies and methods - not your standards or
your ethics.
Wednesday
10.19am
19/9/2012
19/9/2012
