TUESDAY THOUGHTS : COURTESY

Think it through. 

What if someone else considered doing, or did that to you? 

Would you be flattered, appreciative, grateful, happy, thankful, or impressed?

Would you not mind?

Would you have appreciated a heads-up?

Would you shrug, laugh, and agree that it was a nice gesture, or no big deal?

Would you have reservations about ever dealing with them again, establish new boundaries, or cut ties altogether?

Would you think they didn’t mean any harm? 

Would you suddenly become litigious?

Would you tell them to forget about it?

Would you consider them opportunistic or inconsiderate?

Would you question their motives?

Would you wonder what ELSE they’ve done, or said, supposedly on your behalf, that you don’t even know about—and how long they’ve been doing or saying it?

Would you have serious doubts about their true intentions?

Would you think they would, or should know better—especially if they’re in the same game?

Would you wonder how they can be so adept, professional, efficient, and by-the-book with their own stuff, but become so woefully clueless, mediocre, and careless when it comes to the affairs of others?

Would you be appalled by their presumptuous behavior? 

Would you think it was an innocent mistake?

Would you accept their apology or attempt to make right, something about which, they did not have your consent in the first place?

Would you be mad?

If you wouldn’t want it (whatever it is) to happen to you, don’t assume that others should, or will go along. Before plowing forward, because you just know they’ll cosign, hop aboard, or say “yes”, wouldn’t asking them first be the proper thing to do? In the back of your mind, do you already know they wouldn’t be okay with that which you have already obligated them? Have you left them in a position where the damage has already been done, and they have little or no choice— other than to cry foul into the abyss?

Maybe it’s not such a good idea, no matter how much you think they should applaud or appreciate it. 

Tread lightly (and legally) when it comes to other people’s livelihoods, work, time, ideas, resources, wishes, and property. Don’t assume unauthorized roles, or take liberties. Consider whether the favor you think you’re doing, the improvement you’re making, or the bone you’re throwing, isn’t really about helping, celebrating, or promoting them, but feathering your own cap. How about asking first, and acting (or not) second. It’ll forgo a profuse apology.

Just because they do THIS, doesn’t mean they’re interested in, will rubber stamp, understand, or even want THAT.

Common courtesy, respect, and good business practices, in creative circles, go a long way.