Fairness Guide: The Universal Empathy Principle

Copyright © 2004 by Don Blohowiak
Don@LeadWell.com www.LeadWell.com

Even when you want to be fair to everyone in life, it's sometimes very hard to know what the really right thing to do is.

Here's a truly simple but profoundly effective thought framework that I try to keep in mind whenever I find myself wondering: Am I being fair? Am I behaving with a sufficient level of empathy for others?

This principle is derived from the wisdom of my better half and partner of 25 years. You might call Susan's method the Cut the Cake Principle.

Here's how it works. Whenever our children (just a couple of years apart) would ask for a snack, Susan would often suggest they share one. Naturally, each of the boys would want to be the one to do the apportioning. So, with Solomon-like wisdom, Susan would rotate the snack cutting duties with this twist: One of the boys would do the cutting, but the other one got to choose which of the two pieces he wanted.

Brilliant!

I try to apply that fairness principle in all matters of life. In other words: What if I were on the receiving end of my action? Would I choose to take it? Would it seem to be a good deal for me?

Whether it's sharing a snack or making profoundly important decisions with wide-ranging repercussions, bear in mind the guidance for sweet equity, Susan's Cut the Cake Principle.

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