Yesterday I was on the phone with a police officer trying to get him to sign a form so that we could submit our client’s U visa application. I begged and begged him because we really needed his signature - for 20 minutes I kept saying things like “I understand your position, Officer; I would really appreciate your help in this matter blah blah blah.” Finally in the end, he reluctantly agreed to sign the form and fax it over. 

The attorney that I work for has told me numerous times that, often times, it’s not what, but the way you say things that changes the outcome. She acknowledged that it sucks, but also informed me that it is something that I should work on and learn. How to swallow/sacrifice my pride in order to get someone to do something for me. 

On a related subject, it’s really interesting to me how so many humans love to power-trip and feel important. The Ph.Ds who insist on being called Drs., the bosses who like to yell at their employees like they are slaves. What happened to mutual respect? 

I think it’s really important in any profession to be a relatable and respectful person. I’m not saying I’m relatable by any means; hence, it is something that I would like to work on. At the same time, no matter how “high” on the professional hierarchy you are, I don’t think it’s ever really necessary to power-trip and order people around like minions, because nobody wants to be treated like that. 

I guess it comes down to the ancient adage “Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.” It’s funny how something so simple can be often forgotten. I think in my future office I’ll just have all these moral quotes crammed onto my walls or something.