A wise man learns more from his enemies than a fool from his friends. Baltasar Gracian

Ever hear the advice “keep your friends close & your enemies closer”?  In one of his examples, Cottrell states “by getting to know your enemies, you soon figure out how they think, how they react, and that can help you stay ahead when it comes time for the race”.

When I was in the corporate world, this is the way the majority of the people acted. There is some wisdom in it, but if your “enemies” also live by that philosophy, wouldn’t we constantly be trying to figure each other out & anticipating the other’s next move?  Sounds exhausting and not to mention distracting from your goals.  If you’re someone that thrives on drama, well….that’s another blog.

Cottrell also discusses “either walk tall or walk alone”.  This is more along the lines of the way I was raised.  I was taught never to compromise my morals and values. Anyone out there raised this way?  By doing so, as I’m sure many of you have realized by now, you will not be able to please everyone and therefore will create “enemies”.

Also, you may have found out, the more successful you become the more enemies you will have. This goes back to my “crabs in the bucket” blog.  When you’re all together in the bucket all is well. The problems arise when you make your escape.  Ever start out in a company where you begin at the bottom?  Everyone is your friend until you get the promotion that takes you to a level higher than your “friends”.  What happens then?  Jealousy and envy arise and the backstabbing begins.

If someone has chosen to become your enemy due to something that happened in the past, address the situation.  If you’ve done all you can, that’s all you can do.  People are people.  They will do what they do.  Our job is to forgive them and move on. Cottrell says, If someone is an enemy because “they are jealous or threatened by your success, there is nothing you can do about it.” Regardless, never compromise your values.  Stay true to who you are.  Associate with people of similar values.

Always forgive your enemies – nothing annoys them so much. Oscar Wilde

To be wronged is nothing unless you remember it. Confucius

Join me in Atlanta this weekend for the AMC meeting!