A Call for Understanding
John D. Couris
Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General Hospital Research Fellow University of South Florida Muma College of Buisness
It is a stressful time. People are tired and less tolerant. While we have made real progress in controlling COVID, things are not all together back to the “way they were,” and folks are more anxious than ever for life to return to “normal.” I have recently heard from several of my team members that they have experienced others making assumptions and drawing conclusions about who they are or what they believe based on an innocent comment or even a “like” on a social media posting. Often, in fact, most times, these assumptions are incorrect, misguided and hurtful.
As people are on edge, stressed out and exhibiting less tolerant behavior, I want to push pause and remember that what binds us together is greater than what divides us. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and in the rhetoric and disregard compassion and kindness.
The truth is that regardless of class, color, gender identity or religious afflation, we are all human beings deserving of respect and understanding. And while we certainly have a right and the freedom to express our beliefs and opinions, I think we must remember that issues—social, political and religious—are complicated and highly nuanced. We must take time to listen to others whose opinions differ from our own.
So, I encourage you all to take a minute to reflect and, amid this crazy time, do your best to listen to others, be patient and kind and practice tolerance and understanding.
Retired after being an RN at Tampa General Hospital
3 年We are so proud of you for your insightful vision, compassion and kindness! We ?? our TGH!! Thank you thank you thank you Mr. Couris!
Innovating at the Intersection of Climate, AI & Leadership | Patented Carbon Capture Tech | Startup Founder & Scaling Expert | Speaker | Author | Impact Tech for Good | Multilingual World Traveler
3 年Timely. Calls for a reassessment of the people side of the equation - and especially building resilient mindsets. May I shamelessly plug the Coping with Crisis books we wrote last year in this vein? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T1QF45Q
??Healthcare VP on Weekdays ?? Youth Soccer Director on The Weekends
3 年Couldnt agree more!
D.B.A
3 年Thank you so much John for the great message. Understanding others is understanding ourselves and loving others is loving ourselves.
Vice President, Emergency Services @ Tampa General Hospital
3 年You are a true inspiration to me John!