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Executive coaching tips - Tolerating others

27 Dec 2013

Tolerance of other’s differences, their values, beliefs and appearance is an important step in our personal development, without which we would remain inward-looking, self-absorbed within our social and family groups. But conversely, we need to consider what we’re not going to tolerate in others and ourselves if we are to be authentic because there’s nothing authentic about being a doormat. A well-known coaching exercise which helps clients led a toleration free zone promotes a I-don’t-suffer-fools-gladly approach to life, which at best is selfish self-absorbed attitude towards others and their place on their journey. 

As A.C. Grayling in The Meaning of Things states:

'Ignorance and fear are closely allied.' 

Fear is the source of many social ills, and it stems from ignorance. Just because something is popular and familiar, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t question it. Adherence to beliefs and following the advice of people in authority whose only recommendation is familiarity is lazy. It breeds ignorance and with it fear of the unfamiliar.

As Voltaire stated:

‘Fear can never make virtue.’    

An authentic, enlightened person will show a democratic, fair and non-discriminating attitude towards others, and will embrace all cultures, races and individual styles. He will be socially compassionate and identify with fellow humans, seeing people and events in a fresh rather than a judgemental and stereotypic way. He will accept others as they are and not trying to change them.

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