It's always dangerous to advertise something as "humorous" when it's quite possible that no one finds it funny. Here goes anyway.
Two years ago, there was a modicum of hub-bub about the "no A-hole rule" and a lot of discussion around hiring people that you'll actually enjoy working with as well as working productively with people who are "jerks."
Two years later I'm browsing the Mind Hacks blog and come across a post entitled, "
I haven't read the paper yet but I love the euphemism-laden abstract: "Our patience with forming interpretations and reinterpretations of others' behavior is not unlimited. The time comes when we lose interest in trying to understand, and conclude that another person is behaving in a way that is simply unacceptable [read: "decide someone is a bastard" - Matt]. This paper explores the narratives that go with immoderate indignation [i.e., "concluding someone is a bastard"], even for those best versed in the idea that they should attempt to understand the perspective of the other...."
I couldn't have said it better, or nicer, myself. Anyway, check it out. Who knows, maybe it will help you avoid "immoderate indignation" when "concluding" that certain relatives "behave unacceptably" this weekend?
Have a happy holiday!
This reminds me of advice I got from the president of a ad agency once when I asked him how much to bill for a project. He said to always be sure to add a secret line item: the PIA factor. I think about -- and use -- this advice all the time. Or maybe I should put a positive spin on it and give clients a good personality discount.