We’ve all heard of the Golden Rule. It goes something like this: Treat other people the way you want to be treated. That’s a great rule to live by and most people would probably agree that it is a good thing. Is it really though? Shouldn’t we treat others the way they want to be treated? Why should I assume someone wants or likes the same things as I?
I have a constant struggle (it’s not really a struggle since it’s good natured and fun) with the ladies in the office on what temperature to set the thermostat. As a larger man, (ahem…) I would prefer it somewhere around 68-69 degrees. (Can I get an amen fellas?) They in turn would prefer it closer to 74 or even 75! If I treated them like I would want to be treated, they would wear their sweaters year round and keep the little heaters they hide at their feet (they don’t think I know,) cranked up to the moon. So we compromise and settle for a comfortable 72 and we all get along.
Same principle, different scenario. On those few occasions I get the husband/father thing right and make my wife or kids breakfast, I leave off the hot sauce from the eggs, and cut the pepper almost to nonexistent. That’s called treating people the way they want to be treated, not ourselves.
This is why at The Cottages our mission has always been, and always will be, We Treat People Right. It’s offering breakfast when our residents arise, not waking them in time for breakfast. It is understanding that some people don’t like Bingo and would just prefer to sit alone and listen to music. Plain and simple, it’s getting to know our residents likes and dislikes and helping them enjoy the time they spend with us to the fullest measure possible. I’m so proud of our administrators and caregivers that understand this principle and do their best for our residents every single day. They are what make The Cottages great!
Mark Maxfield, CEO/President
