I posted this because it reminded me of an incident that changed my outlook on life. I had a client come into my office and started to shout at me about some work we had done for him. I considered him to be a friend and his comments were not based in facts. I considered shouting back but was told to do a simple act. I asked him why he was upset. He immediately calmed down and told me that he had just come from a construction meeting that had not gone well.
I realized that he was taking out his frustration on me and just listened. Because people do not listen to other people. That experience taught me to ask people what I could do to help them. I was surprised at their responses and the change in their attitude.
I personally do not physically want anything from other people. I do want people to research and make decisions based on facts. I do not want people to “take my word” on an issue to base their decisions.
I have also found that asking questions can quickly determine another person’s state of mind. Everyone has seen it: you ask a question and the person lashes out irrationally. There is nothing you can do with frustrated people who live in fear and denial. I wonder what would happen if people just asked other people how they can be of assistance?
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