by Jane Perdue | Inspiration
Who knew?!
I was delighted to discover the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation that were “copied down” by George Washington as he worked as a young boy to improve his penmanship.
The list of rules is long, 110 of them in all (lots of penmanship copying practice). However, much of their content is incredibly apt today, nearly 300 years later.
How so?
The rules encourage us to think more about other people and less about ourselves—more “we” and less “me.”
Research says that George’s list was inspired by rules put together by French Jesuits in 1595. Many of the rules address civility and decent behavior and…
…reflect a focus that is increasingly difficult to find. The rules have in common a focus on other people rather than the narrow focus of our own self-interests that we find so prevalent today. Fussy or not, they represent more than just manners.
They are the small sacrifices that we should all be willing to make for the good of all and the sake of living together. These rules proclaim our respect for others and in turn give us the gift of self-respect and heightened self-esteem.
~Foundation’s Magazine
As an advocate for kindness and civility in the workplace (and everywhere), I was both inspired (good reminders that are timeless) and dismayed (will things ever change???) by George’s list.
Take a look:
George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior
- Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
- Strive not with your superior in argument; always submit your argument with modesty.
- Mock not nor jest anything of importance; and if you deliver anything witty and pleasantly, abstain from laughing at yourself.
- Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.
- Think before you speak, pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.
- When another speaks, be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not nor prompt him; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech has ended.
- Always submit your judgment to others with modesty.
- Whisper not in the company of others.
- Undertake not what you cannot perform and be careful to keep your promise.
- Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
- In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion.
- Give not advice without being asked and when desired do it briefly.
- Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest scoff at none although they give occasion.
You can find the whole list here.
Your take?
Image source before quote: morgueFile.com
by Frank Sonnenberg | Inspiration
Once upon a time, there was a brat named Phil T. Rich.
He grew up with everything a kid could want. He had every gadget imaginable, a house that rivaled the Disney castle, and parents who gave him free rein to do whatever he wanted.
Unfortunately, his parents were rarely around for him –– they had high-powered jobs, you know. And when they weren’t working “killer hours,” they were off to the club to play golf and trade gossip with friends. (more…)
by Jane Perdue | Inspiration
Looking for a bit of inspiration? Does your spirit need a lift? Want a nudge for gentle introspection or some wings to fly? (more…)
by Jane Perdue | Inspiration
Talk about an unexpected opportunity to learn!
I found this poem while doing research for my book about women and power and loved how the content pulled me into a little, no a lot, of personal reflection.
My time of mental exploration helped me to recognize all the opportunities around me that I had failed to see. Why did I fail to see them? Because I thought they were obstacles.
May reading this poem do the same for you, so perhaps you’ll see something you’re missing!
Quotes about opportunity
Opportunities, many times, are so small that we glimpse them not and yet they are often the seeds of great enterprises. Opportunities are also everywhere and so you must always let your hook be hanging. When you least expect it, a great fish will swim by. ~Og Mandino
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. ~Alice Walker
I will prepare and someday my chance will come. ~Abraham Lincoln
To stay ahead, you must have your next idea waiting in the wings. ~Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Effective people are not problem-minded; they’re opportunity-minded. They feed opportunities and starve problems. ~Stephen Covey
Opportunities do not come with their values stamped upon them. Everyone must be challenged. A day dawns, quite like other days; in it, a single hour comes, quite like other hours; but in that day and in that hour the chance of a lifetime faces us. ~Maltbie Davenport Babcock
Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems. ~Sun Tzu
Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat. ~Steve Jobs
Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it ~George Bernard Shaw
Expect change. Analyze the landscape. Take the opportunities. Stop being the chess piece; become the player. It’s your move. ~Tony Robbins
If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. ~Shirley Chisholm
by Amy Diederich | Inspiration
I am a novice horseback rider with lots to learn.
My instructor pointed out that I was using the wrong paradigm for turning my horse.
I was turning my horse Poppy like I turn my car. I was turning Poppy by moving both hands and literally steering my horse. Instead of using the reins for “steering,” they should be used like the walls of a hallway. (more…)
by Jane Perdue | Inspiration
Many times in life, love and leadership, the small things are really big things.
Sometimes for us, sometimes for others.
We get so busy with the busyness of life that we forget to make or take time for the small things.
Often, it’s those small things that make life more enjoyable, productive, meaningful, connected, special. (more…)
Who knew?!
