A three-step formula to give negative feedback positively
We are sometimes placed in situations where we need to give negative feedback. If we dislike the person, we might be overly eager, perhaps even [...]
How not to deal with a person whom we consider a necessary evil
How not to deal with a person whom we consider a necessary evil Calling someone we dislike but need a "necessary evil" is often an [...]
Why seeing the good in bad people can be a double-edged sword
Why seeing the good in bad people can be a double-edged sword - Know when seeing the good in bad people is an expression of [...]
Three tests to counter rumor-mongering
One of the fundamental implications of the Bhagavad Gita 16.2 directive to be averse to fault-finding is to avoid engaging in rumor-mongering. This means not [...]
Three ways to differentiate between punishing and scapegoating
The difference between finding a criminal and scapegoating someone can be broadly defined by three main aspects: Method: In the case of scapegoating, the accused [...]
Three reasons for differences of opinion
Three reasons for differences of opinion Differences in opinion can often lead to conflict, especially in today’s hyper-individualistic age. The tendency now is to view [...]
Focus on who will be responsible not on who was responsible.
Whenever things go wrong, finding someone to blame is a default human tendency. When there isn’t anyone clearly to blame, we tend to presume that [...]
How to identify insecure people
When a candid evaluation of others is seen simply as a series of compliments and insults, then that person is seen as unreliable and not [...]
When others disturb us…
How we respond to others disturbing behavior reveals our character much more than whatever we might speak in words. Actions speak louder than words. This [...]
How to deal with loss
The best way to deal with loss is not by losing our temper, but by losing our attachments. Whenever we lose something, especially something that [...]
Proving point or improving viewpoint
Proving our point is counterproductive if we are not improving our viewpoint. Sometimes when we know that someone else is wrong and we go about [...]
When people behave strangely…
Just because some actions are inconsiderate does not necessarily mean that they are unwarranted or inappropriate. When someone behaves in a way that does not [...]
Why understand a wrongdoer
Understanding a wrongdoer is not justifying a wrongdoing; it is simply evaluating whether the wrongdoer is reformable or incorrigible. When someone, a person, or a [...]
How to use the fault-finding mentality constructively
Some of us may have an innate tendency to notice the things that are wrong in anything we see. Significantly, this tendency can be seen [...]
Three benefits of hearing open-mindedly
When someone disagrees with us, especially on an issue that is important to us, we may feel threatened. Consequently, we may hear them primarily to [...]
Ahimsa: Gita insights on nonviolence and deterrence
Ahimsa, frequently translated as nonviolence, is a concept drawn from the Indian tradition that has gained widespread resonance in today’s world. The Bhagavad-gita, India’s foremost [...]
The scapegoating tendency
The scapegoating tendency - Scapegoating is one of the most universal of human tendencies. When we face difficulties, especially difficulties that seem unfair to us, [...]
How gossip can go dangerously out of control
How gossip can go dangerously out of control - Suppose we pushed a small snowball down a hill just for fun. It rolls down out [...]
Are we rude to the crude?
Suppose we come from an urbane background and behave in ways that our culture considers well-mannered. Suppose we meet someone from a rustic background with [...]
What the faults we see in others tell us about ourselves
What the faults we see in others tell us about ourselves Our mind often sees outside what is present inside it. If greed or lust [...]
How to hold others accountable without becoming judgmental
Suppose police remain silent while a rioting mob lynches hapless victims. For such an alarming dereliction of duty, the police need to be held accountable. [...]