Living The Law #22 – Prefer, Don’t Judge — The Law of the Garbage Truck

I needed to fix something in the house, and I needed help fixing it. I called a company with a good product, service, reputation, and price. The sales representative I talked to was helpful. When I had one question that required a manager’s assistance, the representative transferred me to him.

The manager who picked up the phone wasn’t very friendly. He wasn’t thrilled to answer questions, and his responses were a little curt. That didn’t stop me from asking politely every question on my list. In the end, I was happy with his answers, and I ordered the product and service I needed.

A critical aspect of

The Law of the Garbage Truck is

to distinguish between making judgments and having preferences,

and always focusing on what matters.

I prefer people to be friendly in a business transaction. I see positive human interaction as an opportunity to spread goodwill in the workplace and in the world.

However, not all people who do good work are friendly—no matter their reason. So rather than judge them as “not nice people” or “not good guys,” I focus on their ability to do the job right. I need their help fixing my problems; they are not required to be my friends. Now, if I have two companies to choose from and they’re equal in all measures, I will choose the more friendly one. That’s my preference.

Having preferences is natural. It’s part of being human. Act on them if they’re important to you. However, be sparing in your judgments. You can prefer something—and act on that preference—without judging others too harshly.

This week notice when you start judging people. Recognize when what you’re really expressing is a preference, and refrain from turning it into a judgment. This is what living The Law of the Garbage Truck is all about.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

All the best,

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