Thoughts from Chief Sjolander... Youre not going to please everyone, and thats ok... The older I get, the more I realize whats important and some things in life are out of my control...Like some peoples happiness. We all know someone who for whatever reason, are not happy. Sometimes its a work thing, sometimes its a personal relationship thing, and sometimes I think its a coping mechanism that is used to keep people at bay so they dont get hurt. Sometimes all you can do is just that, all you can do. Its not going to be enough for some, and someone will sit back and criticize the work effort, the idea, or finished product. When I was young, that use to really bother me and I would lose sleep worrying about someones opinion of me or the job I did. Thank goodness those days are gone. Its not that I dont care, I do, but worrying about things you cant control is foolish. Now if I did something to cause hurt feelings, and a apology is in order, Ill give one, but sometimes you have to remind yourself that hurt feeling are not against the law and when you work with the public, you will not please everyone. I remember visiting with and old timer when I was a young officer. I was venting about someone chewing me out for something or someones attitude when after a long pause I was told this. Pleasing everyone is like picking up a turd from the clean end...its not going to happen he also said, Show me on our patch, badge, or squad where it says Here to please everyone, you wont find it...He was right. I was reminded that we have a tough job to do, picking your battles is a learned skill, and having a thick skin is important when working with the public. I still worry sometimes, but I remind myself of Bens words and how all I can do is give my best, and for some, its never enough. Stay safe, Lee
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 13:51:50 +0000