The Hatfield's and the McCoy's

The Hatfield's and the McCoy’s

Them’s fighting words.

That’s a famous line from a cowboy movie.  Once those words are said there’s sure to be chairs flying at the saloon. 
Someone will get tossed over the bar.  All the while the piano player is playing, unphased by the commotion. 

Sounds a bit corny doesn’t it?

Yet every day somewhere in corporate America there is a person in a cubicle hurt by someone else’s actions or words.

“Can’t we all just try and get along?”  Those were the famous words of Rodney King.  Truth is, we can try to get along…..but sooner or later someone is going to misread a statement, take a comment personally, interpret an e-mail the wrong way or only hear part of a statement and take offense. 

It’s inevitable.

Sure there are malicious people out there.  But, for the most part – people are not out to get you.

Face it folks – anger takes work.  It is exhausting.  It’s not productive.  And, it takes a long time to patch a relationship pot hole.

While we are planning our next defensive move or retaliation – our own forward progress suffers.

Biblically, we are told to not let the sun go down on our anger.  But, in the case of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s – they allowed many suns to go down – they even allowed decades.

There are keys to help prevent your boiling point from hitting 212 degrees.
• Q-TIP – quit taking it personally.  Everything that is done is NOT being done as a personal attack on you.
• Get all the facts before blowing your cool.  It is often one tiny piece of info that brings clarity or understanding.
• Look at both sides of the issue – that’s your side and the other persons.
• Go burn energy – run, jog, work out, go to some batting cages, do something to channel that energy so you can think clearer.
• Go for a walk.  Walking is not only exercise – it’s therapeutic.
• Journal – jot your emotions and feelings down in a book or tablet that only YOU will read.
• Write a letter.  Yes, write a letter to the person you are upset with, telling them what you feel.  Give them a good piece of your mind.  Then, when you are done – burn the letter.  NEVER mail it!
• Talk with a counselor, pastor, priest or rabbi.
• Never ever react.  Animals react – humans respond.  Humans have the capacity to think things through.
• Laugh – go ahead – it’s healthy.

Had the Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s done these things, there never would have been a feud.

Have a great week

Ron  

To schedule Ron to speak

to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483