Being considerate….

Does caring for the wellbeing of our family/friends is what makes us considerate. If they need something, we will attend to it on priority, if they are in trouble, we will make it ours. We will do everything possible for them going out of the way!

Is that but enough? Is being considerate limited to the ones we know (i.e., the ones who expect us to be doing it anyway and not doing it would instead make it a big deal) OR does it extend to every aspect of our day-to-day life?

I often observe situations which makes me wonder, if a similar reaction would come if this involved someone own vis-à-vis a third person whose judgement does not matters to me. A few examples (more of observations) to illustrate this point:

  • Disposing garbage carelessly; not arranging/ picking-up things……as the help is hired to do this very thing (“who utha lega” attitude);
  • Finding shortcuts ~ reach without an appointment and try and fit in; jump queue (‘ho jaayega’, ‘dekh leenge’ attitude);
  • Avoiding eye contact on a metro to not concede the seat to someone who needs it more than I do;
  • Shout out loud on the customer care executive who has no control on resolving that situation than to just take your request for resolution;
  • Not slowing down when crossing a flooded road where fellow commuters are either walking or are on a two-wheeler having no protection from any splash;
  • Not paying heed to give way to someone in need (say, an elderly, or someone on a non-motorised vehicle where he is putting in manual efforts to keep moving vis-à-vis you being in a car and could give way without much of an hassle);
  • Abruptly stopping on roads, coming from the wrong side, enter/exit incorrectly et and all (“kuch nahi hota” attitude).

Even I need to be conscious and mindful about my actions and maintain consistency across all situations, for that would define the real me. Likewise, each one of us needs to realize if they are really considerate or are using this word conveniently and not in the true spirit, for, the real you is how you are when no one is judging / watching your action (or inaction)!

As I was thinking of concluding this note, the advertisement campaign from Federal Bank crossed my mind which has the tag line “Rishta Aap Se Hai, Sirf App Se Nahi”. While today, most of our banking (actually not only banking but a lot more….) needs are taken care of with the ease of e-banking without having to interact with anyone, but it cannot replace the ‘gupshup’ you had over ‘cutting’ chai (especially at PSU banks) with the branch manager. While machines can do a lot what humans do today and this would only become more competitive with time, it is the empathy which would be the biggest differentiator with machines. Your being considerate and empathetic towards others, would make this world a better place.

25 comments

  1. As expected from Amol Khann Good expressions of thought. Rishta Aap se and not App se touched my heart. Cut chai concept to Gayab hi ho gaya ji.

  2. Amol Bhai, amazing. Great thought!
    If all of think this way, world would be a better place to LIVE.

  3. Well articulated Amol, Empathy & human consideration is the must in all our actions.

  4. Absolutely right and practical as well.. all of us know this.. but bhul jate h baar-baar.. it’s just we have to remember this and do this in our daily routine practice..

  5. Sir , Absolutely perfect narration on being ‘Considerate’. While on the road and driving , in case i commit a mistake by not following traffic rules, i make sure to admit and pay fine. Secondly, always make a habbit of appreciating others, if you observe something good i.e.after leaving any food court , do appreciate food and services. Thirdly, be always thankful to all how help you.Being always a considerable person , would make you different from others

    1. Very rightly mentioned and with great choice of words.

      Thank you so much Amol for making us all remind the true concept of being considerate. We may assure ourselves of knowing and remembering them, but perhaps they are getting faded to an extent, in the rat race of our lives.

      Such wake up calls are really good to be there to act as an energizer to help with clear direction.

      Look forward to live these great learning and to have more of such touching notes in future.

  6. Completely agree. The real us is truly how we react with others who have no connection with us. We’ll said

  7. This is amazing Amol, a very very relevant thought in today’s world. Super read!

  8. Now a days everyone is busy on gadgets & don’t want to have a conversation. In banks too, no one wants to interact but says deposit/withdraw money at ATM & don’t have personal relationship with customers as they forget they will also retire one day.

  9. Very well articulated thoughts, thanks for the reminder about so many things pointed out

Comments are closed.