How can we determine the character of another human being? This question is an important one to ask ourselves as we move through life. Every human being we meet in life, regardless of his or her position, is unique and totally beyond our full understanding. From my vantage point, though, I have tried to rely on two aspects of life that I have found instructive here, and I believe it matters that we always pay close attention to both. The first rule I follow is to watch what people do, not what they say. The second rule is to take special note of how people behave when stressed.

Watch What People Do, Not What They Say

This rule of life is quite easy to do every day. In simple terms, just pay attention to what your family, friends, and business colleagues do. If their actions align with what they say, then you have struck gold in that particular relationship. However, if their actions always conflict with their words, then perhaps this is a person, you must be watchful of, and, if a friend or acquaintance, someone you should avoid.

Take Special Note How People Behave Under Great Stress

Highly stressful situations bring out the best or the worst in each of us.  What type of person we are can be revealed when we are placed in a position of extreme stress.  I saw this personally during Gulf War I when I worked for Saudi Aramco.  When the war started in January 1992, and the first Scud missiles started to come our way from Iraq, my friends and business colleagues sorted themselves out into two groups.  One group remained calm and collected and acted responsibly.  The other group became highly nervous, anxious, and in some cases, just got in their cars and drove away to a place of relative safety in the United Arab Emirates.  In hindsight, Gulf War I was an excellent lesson in human nature.

A Daily Practice for One and All

Become a student of human nature and observe others as often as you can.  You can avoid the many pitfalls of life by doing so.

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