In a typical population, left-handers make up about 15%. Of course, not every population is typical.
- Among the five designers of the first Apple computer, four are left-hand dominant.
- Three of the last five presidents are left-handed.
- In a group of alcoholics, left-handers triple their typical representation.
So, your left hand might have a lot of interesting stats, but odds are you’re right-handed, so it’s likely you ignore it unless you really need… an extra hand.
On the other hand….
Your right hand pretty much stars in life’s events. It shakes all the other hands that are stuck out to welcome you. It gets supported in those little desk-chair units at school. Scissors are made for it, no special request needed. It waves hello and good-bye.
Actually, given all the action your right hand sees – your left hand might be jealous.
Sounds nonsensical, doesn’t it? Your hands are simply doing what comes naturally. It’s silly to think that something underhanded (ha!) is going on.
So, let’s get serious. What does your left hand have to do with your attitude about other people at work?
Like your body parts, your co-workers are functioning largely as they are naturally inclined to do. Some are quiet. Some seem to dominate every meeting. Some seem to be incapable of helping when you need boxes carried or midnight oil burned. Some seem to want to jump in (lend a hand?), anytime you look stressed.
Sure, some of us have better titles, more initials after our names and bigger spaces to work in. Some of us have special training and skills. Those attributes don’t change our nature. Largely we each are doing what we do, as we are naturally inclined to do it.
So stop being mad at everyone who acts differently than you want them to. When you stop taking others actions so personally, you become a much happier person. A person who is more in control of yourself, and your career trajectory.
The next time someone infuriates you, maybe you could take a breath and think:
Wow. Just like my own left hand. It often isn’t strong enough or quick enough to do what I need. That’s the way things are.
What does that take? Charity. Patience. Compassion. Three personal branding qualities that you want to keep in mind and on hand.
(With my apologies to left-handers!)
