How to never be called a jerk again

If you're anyone providing a service to other people or if you proclaim to do so; you ought to abide by a few ground rules. 

My golden rule is 'don't be a jerk'. Amazing how often this rule is violated because of hubris. Don't be that person. Don't be a jerk. 

How? How do you avoid jerkdom? Let me tell you a few things. 

First: remember you are not more important than anyone else. Your client/customer/patient/person has come to you for help. Or at least they think you can help. So, set your ego aside and put yourself in their shoes. Where are they in their journey? Remember they are the hero. Not you. You are the guide. 

Second: Believe them. Don't second guess them. Don't berate them. Don't scoff. Don't say "well in my experience, that can't happen" because you are probably wrong since your experience doesn't mean squat. Its their experience that is important, not yours. Don't be a jerk. If you think your experience trumps theirs. Then you're a jerk. 

Third: Listen more than you speak. Paraphrase what they tell you and check and recheck that you have understood where they are coming from. Do not offer your unsolicited advice unless you are asked and definitely don't do that unless you've understood them and their problem. 

Fourth: don't refrain from apologising because you're too much of a dick to do so. You aren't that important. If you are a doctor - I'm talking to you. Don't be afraid to say you are sorry. It doesn't mean you caused the problem. saying sorry shows you care. And if you are a good doctor, you actually do care. So you'll say sorry for stuff a lot. Believe me, patients respect you more and word of mouth travels far and wide. 

Fifth: Go above and beyond. As much as you can. Underpromise and overdeliver. If you want to leave a lasting impression on the world. Do this. Or forever be branded a dick. 

Sixth: Say thank you ad nauseum to your patient/client/person for bringing their concerns to you because you want to improve and get better at your job. Since you don't want to be a jerk, you. will. do this. 

Do all of these things. And watch your reputation soar high. Believe. Me. Also, you will have less complaints from folks. Which does your soul good.