As 2021 came to a close, Becker’s Hospital Review published an article titled “Michael Dowling: A call for civility and decency.” Michael J. Dowling has served as the President and CEO of Northwell Health for nearly 20 years, leading the organization with excellence and optimism.
In his article, Dowling expressed his growing concern over the state of society and the epidemic of “rudeness, arrogance and rage on display in all facets of daily life—on our highways, on TV, in the workplace and, of course, on the internet.” He noted that many people make New Year’s resolutions, usually encompassing a myriad of self-improvement goals and other worthwhile commitments. However, Dowling urges readers to consider a different resolution this year:
“Considering the political, racial and ethnic divides we’re experiencing as a nation, what’s most needed now is a New Year’s pledge by all of us to treat each other with civility and decency.”
Dowling went on to share and expand on the following 5 steps we can take to start the healing process our society needs:
- Respect others point of view
- Choose your words carefully
- Show empathy
- Respect diversity
- Be willing to compromise
Dowling ends his thought-provoking article with this exhortation:
“As we turn the calendar to 2022, let’s use it as an opportunity to tone down the rhetoric, reopen dialogue with each other and mend wounds caused by the worst pandemic of our lifetime and years of racial, ethnic and political divide that have worn away at the fabric of our society. It all starts with civility and decency. If we all embrace that behavior, we’ll enjoy a much happier new year.”
Excellent advice for you, me, and everyone as we journey together through another year!
