A common thing we often do is apply our own beliefs and ideas to others. We judge according to what we know and how we perceive things, overseeing the possibility of external circumstances. This brings to mind a story told over the pulpit of a company boss who had an employee who wasn't meeting expectations.
His work often came in late. He was disorganized. The word lazy stood out. By right the boss was to fire him but he decided to look into the matter first. Turns out the man was struggling with terrible family and financial issues. Before, he had always been a hard worker. In such a situation, it is easy to think that he was just lazy. We hardly consider other possible reasons.
Do work, you're hardworking. Don't, lazy. Talk to someone, friendly. Don't talk, unfriendly. Early, responsible. Late, irresponsible. Good results, smart. Bad, stupid. Do we ever pause to consider other reasons? Is everything according to what we know alone?
I should clarify that I am absolutely not condemning such behavior. I am in no position to say that it is wrong. It is normal, but it doesn't make it right either. I record this down only as a reminder to myself to try to be more understanding.
The worst thing about being understanding though, is that sometimes it makes everything harder. I think it's worth it to offer people a little fairness before settling on a conclusion that could lead to unintentional harm.
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