It's Monday! That means a new week is upon us filled with fresh opportunities. In this installment of the Monday Experience, I share why the phrase "I got your back!" means so much to me and how I think we could all do with stepping up our game. In the spirit of encouraging those around us and standing up for what's right, this concept bears more weight now than ever.
Have you ever experienced someone getting your back? Literally, standing up for you in a fight or ending a gossip train that was speeding a hundred miles an hour? Or maybe you are that person. Maybe you get someone else's back in a fight or put a stop to a degrading conversation. From the military (got your six) to sports teams, the concept is nothing new.
I've been blessed to experience people who get my back when it's truly needed, but I also have to admit that it is a rather rare occurrence. Instead of standing up for me, these people who know I need them leave me high and dry. I know I'm not the only one who's experienced this and I'm here to say one thing: it ain't right.
Regardless of who you are, where you're from, what you did (to quote the Backstreet Boys), it's time to step it up.
In the mystery of why we don't stand up for each other, I find that it generally comes down to two things: 1) it will hurt us (maybe even physically), and/or 2) our reputation might take a hit (or we won't be respected). Of course, our perception of taking a hit might need a bit of an adjustment because I personally believe that standing up for others increases the respect of others. Perhaps our popularity will dive, but is that what we're after in the first place?
Here's what I'm doing:
I'm looking out for those people in my community. I am doing everything I can to get their backs. I'm not going to throw them under the bus even if it makes me look better, feel better, or helps me fit in.
When someone doesn't get my back or throws me under the bus, I will confront the situation and the person, but I will not retaliate.
I want to inspire others to stand up and do the same in leading by example.
My hope is that by doing these things I find healthier relationships, stronger friendships, and, perhaps, help stop bullying in the process. Doing the right thing, even when it's unpopular, is how I want to live my life.