Consideration

Contrary to, what seems to be, popular belief – the world (earth) revolves around the sun – not you - not me.

The vast majority of problems, in business, leadership, public policy - the world - are rooted in the absence of consideration. At some level we do understand this; consider the Charter of rights and Freedoms (Canada) Constitution (United States), both created in an attempt to ensure that basic rights are protected, in other words, to be "considerate" of all. The problem is that many use these rights in acts that are completely inconsiderate of others, which I suppose, proves the point that we can't force or legislate consideration. This [consideration] has to come from within every individual.

The greatest cause of driving accidents is not speed or alcohol use as is commonly touted, but rather a lack of consideration among drivers. A signal light is to advise other drivers who are near to you that you are about to make a lane change. This is basic consideration. If a driver is in the left hand lane (fast lane in North America), and another driver – driving faster - wants to get by you, why not move out of the way? Those who run red lights, text or talk on the cell phone while driving clearly don't care about anyone else.

Consideration is absent among those who drive personal vehicles that are so loud that we can hear them within seven kilometers (four miles). Why do we require noise bylaws that restrict noise levels at certain times of the day? Shouldn't this [be quiet while others are trying to sleep] be obvious? We even have signs that instruct dog owners to pick up their dog's crap. Why is this [signs] even necessary if we were considerate of others?

Self-centeredness is the root of all evil. Every crime committed can be traced back to the root of self-centeredness. If people thought of someone else, other than themselves, when they were about to steal, kill, lie, cheat, etc., they likely would not.

Think about the greatest leader your path has crossed; are they generally more considerate? Now consider the level of thoughtfulness toward others among the leader (s) whom you would not aspire to model.

Great leaders are considerate.

Consideration