People Police

Have you ever had people act as judge and jury of your life? Have you ever had every thing you say and do is scrutinized by people? Have you ever felt condemned by people and you weren't really sure why? Well, you're in good company! Lots of us have been here. Many of us have been victims of the people police.

People police can get under your skin and provoke you into a bad day. Their condemnation can push you to respond in a way that is outside of your character, because they never stop. People police are persistent! They feel it is their duty to weigh-in on other people's lives. In truth, people police are projecting.

As a leader, it is important to know how to recognize people police. Some are more obvious than others. However, in recognizing who these individuals are, it is equally as important to not give credence to their behavior. The more attention given to people police, the more policing people will do. Instead, lovingly correct the behavior and move on. When they persist (because that is what they do), be sure to maintain your character. Close the door to them by not acknowledging the behavior. 

Rather than feed people police by giving credence to their behavior, starve them by focusing on your purpose. Ignore them! In this regard, silence is the best option. It does not mean you consent to their behavior or to what they are saying. You are choosing to tune them out, focus on you, and move forward in your purpose. Eventually, they will get the point and will either take your earlier advice or move on to police someone else.