Today’s post in my series of characteristics common to successful people will revolve around the qualities of tolerance and respect. The great ones know that there is more than one way to solve a problem or approach a situation, and they know very well that the more diverse a body of people, the more creative and productive the collective body will be.
Dr. Viktor Frankl very eloquently described what tolerance is, and I want to share that with you:
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| “Being tolerant does not mean that I share another one’s belief. But it does mean that I acknowledge another one’s right to believe, and obey, his own conscience.” |
Hand in hand with tolerance is respect. Tolerance of others means absolutely nothing if you don’t respect others. Have you ever known anyone who cannot respect someone who has different beliefs or perspectives? To be able to tolerate another person and maintain respect is a difficult task for some, and the champions have this balancing act mastered.
To sum it up, to have both tolerance and respect is to simply “agree to disagree.” Just because agreement doesn’t exist doesn’t mean respect has to go out the window.
Take time to look at your own level of tolerance and respect. Do you find yourself passing judgment unto someone else who says things you would never say, or acts in ways that you would never act? If someone disagrees with you, are you able to respect their position on the matter, and not lose respect for the other person?
I challenge you to make a conscious effort to be mindful of your level of tolerance and respect. Choose to give people the benefit of the doubt, without rushing to judgment. Make the simple choice of exercising tolerance and tossing in a bit of respect, and see the difference it makes in your relationships with others. You will be surprised at how easily you can get along with pretty much anybody.
Have a great day!
-Victor
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