[October 25, 2019] The ultimate test of a personal character is an individual who respects those who can be of no possible service to him. The specifics of how that is done are complex but the fundamental ideas of respect are found in good communications.
“The enemies cannot destroy the king who has at his service the respect and friendship of the wise men who can find fault, disagree, and correct him.” – Thiruvalluvar, 6th century Tamil poet and philosopher
Thiruvalluvar understood that the “king,” in order to remain at the head of his peoples, must surround himself with wise men that have the complete freedom to give their opinions and judgments. By doing so, they give the king his due and provide him with invaluable guidance, prudence of action, and clarity of voice. This is true and free communication.
In today’s more modern world – that differs from Thiruvalluvar’s time only by our technologically superior possessions – little has changed. Good communications remains a colossal challenge. Respect is necessary as much now as then. It should, then, come as no surprise that a cursory reading of the many texts from millennia ago are clear about the need for good communications to show respect.
My next-door neighbor has a son (married two years ago) who recently made them happy with a healthy grandchild. But there emerged a problem with his daughter-in-law; at least in my neighbor’s eyes. His son’s wife would not send pictures, call, or write to anyone. Why she has had no communication is odd. My neighbor believes this is a sign of disrespect and he is right.
Communication is a sign of respect. Communication must be clear, untainted, and true. Only then, does it work. And only then do we give others what they deserve. And, of course, to get respect, you must give respect.
This is a great day for me. I’ve been spending the entire week talking about this with both my students (I teach High School) and my football players (I coach the varsity team). The better the communication, the better off we all are. If you tell the truth (heard this before) and present yourself openly and honestly, you will have a wonderful and happy life. If not, you will go down the path to what some call “hell.”
For teaching our young the principles of good behavior, thanks. For teaching them about how to get along and prosper, thanks.
Gen. Satterfield, I never heard of Thiruvalluvar before so I decided to look him up to see some of his ideas. Great stuff. Want to read more about him, like I did, just go here.
https://www.poemhunter.com/thiruvalluvar/biography/
Thirukkuṛaḷ is divided into three sections: section one deals with Aram, good ethical behavior with conscience and honor (“right conduct”); section two discusses Porul, the right manner of conducting worldly affairs; and section three dwells on Kaamam, love between men and women.
Weird, a bit anyway, but good stuff here.
Just jump-start your day here with articles from General Satterfield that push you to think. This is one of them despite being about a common subject.
A little off subject but I highly suggest new readers to Gen. Satterfield’s leadership blog take a look at his “daily favorites” section. He highlights two good articles/videos/audios per day and they are culled, certainly, from a large number of chaff.
The future is here and if you want a piece of it, just read. Yes, the daily favorites in on another tab.
Here is today’s selection at this link: https://www.theleadermaker.com/daily-favorites-new/
Thanks Georgie B.
Naturally, it is easy to say that communication is so important for us all. The reasons would fill volumes of books. Condensing this to an easily understood text of lessons is what is difficult. I know, I lead men in battle. Those who believe this is easy are barking up the wrong tree.
I agree. Nothing is more fundamental to a social network than good communications. By “good” I also adopt what Gen. Satterfield wrote a few months ago. What does “good” mean? It means more efficient and ethical. Today, so many leave out the ethical. Too bad. They are leaving out what I see as the most crucial of things about what good is.
People today – mostly young an inexperienced – see anything that is ethical as a throwback to a bygone era of knuckle draggers and a damaging patriarchy. Too unfortunate that this is reality; ethics works and that is why it’s been around for so long.
Jerry, excellent comment. Thank you!
Excellent! ????
Spot-on article this morning. Well done! Gen Satterfield, you’ve made my day.
Yes, another good blog post. I just wanted to say that perhaps Gen. Satterfield should write MORE about the idea of communication. It’s not that it’s a confusing term but is so widely interpreted.
Yes, keep up the thinking-style articles.
Crazy love this site.