Resources...
The Nickel
Philosophy
by James F. Bracher
There are times when we feel upset, even "miffed."
Toast does get burned. Appointments are cancelled. Bosses
neglect the lubricating magic of praise. Children forget,
while parents remember. Memos and messages sometimes
miscommunicate.
So, what are we to do? For some it means becoming angry.
Others seize such opportunities not only to get angry,
but also to get even. Such responses are seldom productive.
Therefore, the Nickel Philosophy suggests
that we calculate the costs of being upset. As often
as possible, let's make the petty problems into "5's."
That means we identify little issues for what they are:
petty irritations, not worthy of much time and energy.
Certainly these "5's" do not deserve the attention
we lavish on them with our angry responses and hurt
feelings. By saying "it's only a 5!"
we are letting those about us know we understand. They
will feel better and so will we. Saying "It's a
5!" is a sure way to keep friends, build morale,
and improve productivity.
James F. Bracher, creator of the Bracher
Center for Integrity in Leadership,
is the founder and chairman of Dimension Five Consultants,
Inc.,
a management consulting firm in Monterey, California.
