“When people appear to be something other than good and decent, it is only because they are reacting to stress, pain, or the deprivation of basic human needs such as security, love and self-esteem.”  (Abraham Maslow)

I think Professor Maslow was probably right – though I’m still mulling over the full implications of his words – but regardless . . . a great reminder to take a moment to think perhaps why someone in your office has just behaved the way they have, or done what they’ve done?

Elsewhere, Dr Meredith Belbin talks about “allowable weaknesses” – behavioural characteristics we can be aware of and try to improve.

Either way, a great starting point, I think, for accepting people for who they are, and an opportunity for focusing on their strengths.