Lessons in Civility From a T-Rex

The way we interact with each other as individuals and as societies can be so dramatically improved by simple acts of kindness, courtesy and respect. And while these things may seem like common sense when you think about them on an individual level, putting them into practice every day can be challenging when you have so many demands on your time. Fortunately, there’s someone who knows everything about being polite and respectful without appearing phony — that’s right: I’m talking about civility from a T-Rex.

T-Rexes are polite, but they are not pushovers. They are very direct. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They’re very honest, and you always know where you stand with one: if he wants to have you for lunch, he’ll tell you so; if he doesn’t, then he won’t. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a T-Rex utter any kind of lie at all.

How would a T-Rex behave at the dinner table?

If a T-Rex were invited to dinner, he would behave in a polite and dignified manner. He’d be the first one at the table, but he’d wait patiently until everyone else had been served. A T-Rex would never push ahead of other diners to get food or drink; he knows that good manners are important. If you asked him why he’s so polite, he’d say something like this: “It’s simply an extension of my natural hunger.” He’d explain that his only goal is to serve himself well — and as long as everyone else was getting what they needed from their meal too, then nothing could please him more.

What would a T-Rex do when a friend needs help moving?

A T-Rex would gleefully be ready for the task ahead. He’d think about what he’d need to do, and how he could best help his friend. He might make a list of everything involved in moving — cleaning, packing and unpacking belongings, carrying heavy objects like pianos or chairs — and practice lifting weights so that he’s ready for any challenge. However, T-Rex’s small arms mean he may have trouble picking up boxes. In this case, a friend can lend a hand by using one arm to hold the box steady while placing it into T-Rex’s jaws with their free arm.

What would a T-Rex send as a get well note?

A T-Rex would send a get well card. The card would say “Roar the best!” in big letters, because T-Rex is very polite. He would use his long pencil to write the words and then fold it into an envelope with his little arms. He would include a picture of himself holding up a sign that said “I’m sorry I ate your leg,” which he took using a selfie stick.

What would a T-Rex say to a miserable customer who found several hairs in her salad at lunch?

“I’m sorry,” the T-Rex would say, “but I ate a food critic today. He was very delicious.” He might then pause and continue: “His beard was in your salad.”

“My apologies,” he’d continue, “Of course I must offer to replace your meal with another salad of your choosing, or perhaps an appetizer. And please know that the restaurant will paying for the meal and a tip.”

Civility is a virtue that can be practiced by anyone. It’s about treating others as you would like to be treated and empathizing with others who are different from you. If you want to set a good example of leadership, you must be able to lead civilly. Leadership is about more than being tough, strong and assertive. It’s also about being thoughtful, fair and respectful of others’ ideas and opinions. Take a page out of the King of the dinosaurs’ book, and kill…with kindness.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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