TAKING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PERSONALLY

A true story: A woman puts her umbrella on the floor of her cubicle after returning from lunch. The next day she discovers that the umbrella is gone. Fast forward one week. The woman sees a colleague walking around with her umbrella. When asked about it, the colleague replies, "Well, it didn’t have anyone’s name on it, so I took it." From some perspectives, this may either be an extreme example of an entitlement mentality, or indicate a significant lack of personal social responsibility.

What is personal social responsibility? Someone who is socially responsible, more often than not, recognizes that his behavior affects others, and holds himself accountable for his actions. The opposite may be someone who automatically blames an external source for his or her troubles, or whose behavior might consistently be perceived by others to be inconsiderate or rude. In a best-case scenario, a socially responsible person endeavors to have a positive effect on others, and enriches her environs. Such a person has the intention and takes action to ensure that his or her behavior makes a positive contribution, or at least is neutral and doesn't "pollute" others or the social (or actual) atmosphere.

In measures used for companies, social responsibility commonly centers around charitable donations, or environmental or community relations initiatives. An individual can be responsible — or not — through seemingly mundane acts. Of course, these same seemingly small acts add up to predominant ways of being, and can thus apply to both individuals and corporations alike when measuring an overall positive or negative impact on social and environmental wellbeing.

What sorts of small, individual actions are we talking about here? Consider the person whom others describe as the sort that "leaves a trail of disruption and damage in his wake." Imagine you're at a party, where attendees gather in small clusters to talk. Someone who isn’t socially responsible or aware might position herself in front of one participant, effectively closing the circle and disconnecting the other person from the group, and the conversation. The "circle closer" may have done this inadvertantly, and may not even be aware of the effects of her behavior. Regardless, this is an example where a lack of consideration for others and/or awareness of how she affected her environment, as gauged by her actual behavior and its impact on others, "polluted" her immediate social environment.

Unfortunately, the effect lasts much longer than the act itself. Think of the impression these behaviors leave on others. Consider how this information alters someone’s thoughts about referring you to a colleague, or shifts another person's desire to work with you or invite you to future gatherings. Just as garbage dumped at sea finds its way back to shore, you ultimately pollute yourself when you pollute your social environment.

Boosting Your Personal Social Responsibility "Quotient"

Be aware: A powerful step in becoming more socially responsible is opening up your senses and awareness to this concept. When you focus your thinking and intentions on personal responsibility, you make new observations and make choices that lead to a more positive, socially aware outcome. Some people use physical reminders such as inspirational quotes, a photograph of a mentor or a piece of jewelry to represent social responsibility and one’s commitment to make a more positive difference.

Initiate random acts of personal social responsibility: Don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you. Create small-effort, huge-impact instances where you can demonstrate your personal social responsibility. Genuinely listening to someone is a good example. Other examples include: Writing a letter of thanks to a bank teller that provided outstanding service; engaging in honest conversation; and having a sense of appreciation for the skills and ideas that someone brings to the group, and sharing your appreciation.

Recognize others for their socially responsible behavior and work: It can be incredibly rewarding to receive a well-deserved compliment, just as it can be to give one. Fortify someone’s resolve to be socially responsible by recognizing those behaviors. A sincere, well-earned compliment can encourage — and almost guarantee — the continuation of the appreciated behavior. From these observations, you can glean wonderful ideas and inspiration for your own repertoire of socially responsible activity!

Make it a daily habit: When planning your day, consider socially responsible and aware approaches you can take to accomplishing your list of to-do’s.

Plot relevant goals: Associate your personal and professional goals with socially responsible techniques and actions for achieving those goals. Not only will this increase the frequency and depth of your social responsibility "quotient," it’ll open your eyes and mind to new ways of achieving your goals, which ensures continued growth and learning.

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