They say they are 3 sides to every story… his, hers and the truth. We all perceive the same thing differently based on our own worldview and lens, our emotional triggers, and our experience.
But there is another factor.
Status.
If the person in power doesn’t recognize the gravity of his role and how his words and choices affect others… he can cause a lot of hurt feelings, backlash, and even outrage (think Donald Trump).
Martin Luther King said, “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.”
Power without love is reckless and abusive… I see this with parents, spouses, teachers, bosses, and any person who holds the power in a situation. And it’s so much worse when the person in power has no idea of the power they hold.
Then their story is completely obscured.
“With great power comes great responsibility.” – Winston Churchill
If you hold the power it’s important to keep an open heart, to practice real empathy, and to speak gently, always paying attention to the response and emotional reactions of the people who don’t have the power.
Relationships and humanity is always more important than any goal you’re trying to achieve.