Fairness and Sensitivity

 

 

 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; the Golden Rule

 

Anon

 

 

Treating people fairly is a definite factor in their happiness, and hopefully in yours also. There has been much written on how to treat people in the workplace and especially on how managers should treat employees. Many of the ideas in such writings apply not only to the workplace, but to the treatment of your family, friends, fellow workers, students, teachers, or to anyone else.

 

A most basic thought on fairness is:

 

Treat people with respect and sensitivity.

 

It seems very logical to use this premise when dealing with anyone, yet it is often not the case. How you treat others definitely affects their happiness. Consider the people you interact with and ask yourself if you are treating them with sensitivity. Consider their objectives, their motives and their priorities. These factors may be different for them than for you and thus they may justify their actions.

 

Another part of fairness is being open-minded. Listening and being receptive to the ideas of others often promotes positive feeling and results in improved cooperation. Although one approach to a task may be better than others, open discussion of various ideas almost always leads to a better product or outcome. This applies whether you are actually doing a job or project or just talking. Being open-minded means being willing to discuss various aspects and considerations of a subject. It is easy to say you don't agree with something, but it takes thought to offer real alternative views or options.

 

Fair treatment does not always mean treating everyone the same. Being sensitive to a persons' culture, their religion, or other aspects of their background is important. Today, many countries have citizens who were born in other parts of the world. We all desire happiness, regardless of our background, but we often have different values.

 

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address emphasized the fair and equal treatment for all:

 

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all [people] are created equal.

 

Remember, sensitivity to the values and culture of others almost always affects their happiness and may affect yours.

 

Sometimes others will treat you unfairly. In general, discussing it with them can be productive. Be sure to treat them the way you would like to be treated. There is generally no value to treating them poorly in response to their unfair action.

 

There should be special emphasis on fair treatment of people regardless of whether they are female or male. Throughout much of history and still in many places today, women are treated in a substandard manner. There is absolutely no justification for this. Strive to treat all people with fairness and sensitivity, regardless of their gender.

 

 

So, what can you do relative to fairness?

 

Treat people with respect and sensitivity.

 

Listen to the views of others.

 

Give positive feedback.

 

Be open-minded.

 

Treat others as you would like to be treated.