Should you care

This will be a short post. 

I have been dealing with lots of unnecessary drama in the past two weeks. All caused by colleagues who either do not know how to communicate or put too much weight on someone’s opinion. 

My job has turned into this of putting fires out. Yep, this is my new job description, PFO.
 
The most recent crisis I dealt with was fueled by people who got offended by remarks/opinions of their colleagues. This happens frequently, everywhere.

I used to care about everyone’s opinion. I am trying not to be influenced anymore (the emphasis is on "trying", a work in progress ☺). 

If I truly cared about what was said about me (and I knew about it), I would have sunk in the deepest depression. There are tons of people evaluating my activities. Most of these individuals are bitter, unhappy with their lives and their accomplishments, in constant doubt and battles with their own bugaboos. In such psychological state, there is no generosity of spirit and mind. There is no constructive criticism.

Let me ask you a question. When you point out at something unsavory about someone's behavior and work (face to face or behind their back), what is your purpose? Is it to correct the situation or to propagate it? If you do not do your feedback face to face, and if you do not offer any advice on how to improve this person’s state of mind, work, qualities, then YOU ARE PROPAGATING THE ALREADY BAD SITUATION. You are increasing the inflammation of an open wound. 

Being always on the receiving end of criticism/evaluations, I have decided that I would pay attention only when the feedback comes from a person I respect and trust. There are not too many of these people around me.

Resonating with all of the recent events at work is this great animation on YouTube:

STOICISM - MEDITATIONS BY MARCUS AURELIUS ANIMATED BOOK REVIEW

The author of the video has other great works; I am almost addicted to his videos. Check them out.