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The Gift of Insults
There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.
Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.
Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"
"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"
This story is not related to HR Professionals only, rather to every Alive Human Being.
The virtue called "Patience" is the key to every problem.
And to be patience, one needs strong conviction about one's belief system, which comes only when one is confident about his/her basic character.
And one basic rule is "No one can Insult you, without your permission." It is only a matter of one's choice to feel insulted.
We, in normal life, actually react to the situation instead of responding to it.
If the old monk had answered the abuse with an abuse, this story was of no value. Old monk chose to respond to it and the result is known, the opponent felt ashamed on his own conduct.
Everyone is reacting instead of responding and that is the reason that there is so much of chaos in the world.
However, as far as HR Professionals are concerned, my suggestion would be:
1. BE MORE HUMANE
2. Give a benefit of doubt
3. Do not Hear but Listen
I hope you got what you were looking for.
Best of Luck
Regards
Rana Vikram Singh
I learnt from so many sources:
"You cannot change the world (read: other), but yourself!"
Reacting, even in extreme situations, cannot be considered the right way to tackle the situation. Reaction still gives an upper hand to the opposite party.
What do you think?
Thanks & Regards
Rana Vikram Singh