The Path to Success - Avoid all kinds of discrimination

As you go through life you should realise that all people are different and everyone has something to offer. Make sure you do not discriminate against anyone. Discrimination of any kind will hamper your progress.

It may seem funny to laugh at what you think of as a harmless joke that pokes fun at someone but it could rebound. To start with discrimination is illegal and being involved in it could lead to serious repercussions and involvement with unions and the Racial Discrimination Board.

That apart, you will miss out on so much if you fail to embrace people from any race, creed religion or gender. No one is perfect. We all have our opinions and ways we think things should be done or how people should act. That is natural but to be openly hostile to anyone is not.

Every culture has its own beliefs and morals. However most of them have one common thread - to avoid hurting anyone or anything by your words or deeds. Learn to treat people as you would want them to treat you. By doing this you will avoid situations of belittling anyone because   they are different.

Many people today do not make known their religion or sexual preference. Beware of falling into the trap of making instant decisions. You could be wrong and if you have intolerance of any kind you could put your foot in it big time and you will not be able to put it right.

Look for the best person to do the job you are wanting done and disregard your prejudices. You should want people because of their work skills. The colour of their skin, sexual preference or gender should have nothing to do with that choice.

There maybe times when two people are the ideal candidate for the job and qualifications, skills and behaviour are identical. Then you will have to make a choice based on other things. Whatever you decide, remember you may be asked to justify your decision when the candidate asks for feedback. Are you prepared to justify it and tell the unsuccessful candidate why they did not get the job?

If you get the reputation of being intolerant of certain people you will impede your progress in your career. There are very few jobs that do not involve contact with others at some point.  Employers need to know you will get on with everyone and not say or do anything that will embarrass clients or colleagues and show the company in a bad light.

The more natural you are with people the better. Putting people at their ease is a great skill and being totally accepting of who and what they are leads to better communication. In order to have this approach you need to confront your prejudices. Being aware of what issues you have is the first step. Only by doing this can you deal with them.

Why are you prejudiced against something or someone? It says more about you than it says about them. Taking the time to find out more about this group of people will help dispel your ignorance of their culture. Often it is this ignorance that makes you intolerant.

On the flip side, your colleagues or clients may be judging you and decide they do not want to work with you because of who or what you are. How does that feel? Is it fair? No. So do not act this way with others.