I have expectations for people. I can't help it. I like to think that my expectations for others are reasonable, but I know sometimes they get me into trouble.
I have expectations for the people I work with. When we work together as leaders, I expect each person to pull his or her own weight because I assume that by accepting these roles, we sign on for additional responsibilities that we agree to fulfill. I expect people to notify me more than a few hours in advance if they can't keep a commitment. I know that things come up, but I think there's a problem when someone is more consistent about bailing on events than attending them.
Sometimes I have to remind myself to be a little more sympathetic. After someone continuously flakes and makes excuses, though, my patience wears a little thin. Then my anti-confrontational tendencies really kick me in the butt because I can't bring myself to communicate my frustrations.
Part of it, I know, is because I've been spoiled by my brothers and sisters in ACF. I see them sacrifice so much for each other. They consistently go beyond the bare "requirements," loving and serving each other at the expense of additional personal burdens and regular loss of sleep. And maybe I need to go through these cycles of frustration to really appreciate again how extraordinary these actions are and how lucky I am to have these people in my life. They never cease to inspire me. :)
4 comments:
perhaps instead of sympathy, you ought employ empathy.
=) just sayin'
If a PL is continuously flaking or bailing out I think it's important for you to tell them that they have responsibilities as a PL and they can't always dump things onto you. I know it's hard - I shy away from confrontation as well. It's not fair to you. You have a busy schedule as well. But like you and Jerry said, it's always important to maintain sympathy and empathy and be able to forgive them for their flakiness.
By the way, what does Lady Gaga have to do with all this? (assuming that's what your title is alluding to)
You can only control your actions, not the actions of others. I guess it's best to trust in yourself, and be pleasantly surprised when others pitch in. :)
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