To some degree, everyone feels that they are ‘above the crowd’ on occasion. Come on, admit it! You know you’ve complained about that motorist who didn’t quite drive the way you would have liked, or that parent who didn’t control their child like you would have done…. The world really can be a crazy place and it is human nature to be inclined to see yourself as mildly superior sometimes. Plenty of people go through phases where they are down on society and their fellow man, but when does thinking you are better than others hold people back?
A very wise friend once said to me that people should ‘be careful how they treat others on the way to the top, because you will never know who you are going to meet again on your way back down and you may need their help’ and she was right. I have made mistakes and watched many other friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances do the same over the years. What is important is not to stand on people along the way.
There will always be differences of opinion and ‘you can’t please all of the people all of the time’ (especially if you are in a management position in a company!). Every single person in the world is better than you in some way. They may be better than you at building conservatories, better than you at fixing cars, at ironing, at public speaking, at history …. whatever it may be. If you put yourself on a pedestal and think you are better than other people, you are destined for failure. Appreciate everyone and treat them with respect. Make use of the skill set they have where you can.
All that glitters is not gold and it doesn’t take long for people to realise that. Sometimes, not long at all.
