Situation: You encounter social irresponsibility

The term "social responsibility" is most commonly used in reference to companies that behave in a certain manner and support various causes. But what about individuals? They can be socially responsible, or not.

A socially irresponsible person may pollute his social environment with poor behavior, selfish actions or a lack of unawareness, which might manifest as interrupting, littering, abdicating responsibility or lying, for instance.

The result of these actions is the creation of an atmosphere or physical place that’s more tense, draining, or unpleasant, or interactions that push your "hot buttons" and throw off your sense of balance. What to do?

Tip: Clean up the "social pollution"

There are productive ways to respond to such pollution of the social fabric or cultural environment, such as managing your reaction and counterbalancing the social irresponsibility:

Model responsible behavior: Sometimes we criticize in others what we don't notice in our own behavior. Use your skill and good intention to model the behavior that you consider socially responsible...adopting a "do unto others" approach. This might help balance the offending social pollution created by another's less considerate behavior, and will ensure that you’re living your life in alignment with the values you espouse — rather than by emotional reactions to another’s behavior. Also, sometimes all a person needs is an appropriate model, or mirror, from which to see a more skillful behavior.

Raise the the issue: While this approach takes skill and an accurate read of how a person might receive feedback, it can open a door of possibilities and personal growth for yourself and the other person. Many people don’t realize the effect their behavior has on a community (including a community of two people in conversation). By tactfully and clearly sharing your perceptions of her behavior, you may expand her viewpoint and aid in her personal growth. With this technique, you must check your own intentions to ensure they are socially responsible, and only speak from your own experience, perceptions or feelings. Remember, just because you perceive or believe something doesn't necessarily mean you're correct!

Take yourself out of the situation: Ending your involvement in a situation, such as excusing yourself from a networking conversation, can be a very effective way to manage your reaction, and avoid the potential for your reaction to turn into socially contaminating behavior. Follow the tenets of good manners to step away from the situation, take a deep breath and perform other "in the moment meditation" techniques that help you re-center yourself.

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