How Would You Deal With A Drunk Employee?
Below is a true story from The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz:
Bob, a manufacturing plant boss, found one of his workers, Jim, drunk and causing a scene at work. Instead of firing him on the spot, Bob personally drove Jim home.
When Jim’s wife panicked, Bob reassured her: Jim’s job was safe.
Back at the factory, Bob addressed his team. “Jim will be back tomorrow. Be kind to him. He’s been a good worker for a long time, and we owe him another chance.”
By handling Jim’s mistake with compassion, he silently communicated a powerful message to all his employees:
"I see you as human first, worker second."
Jim never had another drinking incident, and Bob quickly forgot about it – But Jim didn’t.
Years later, when union negotiators arrived with unrealistic demands, Jim spoke up. “We’ve always gotten a fair deal from Bob. We don’t need outsiders.”
The union left, and the workers negotiated with Bob amicably, reaching a fair agreement.
This story, the author says, highlights a key lesson: true leadership isn’t about control — it’s about inspiring trust.
However, I took away a different lesson.
Being Kind Is Integral To A Meaningful Life
Bob’s decision to show kindness instead of judgment isn't just about helping Jim—it also shapes the kind of meaningful life Bob himself wishes to live.
A life of integrity, compassion, and genuine human connections will add meaning to Bob's life, way more than a large bank account would.
Life, when you distill it down, is really about your relationships with people around you.
That's why a meaningful life isn't built on achievements alone; it's built on the quiet moments of connections with coworkers, helping a friend in need, and small acts of kindness to others.
I thought of how this single act of kindness could have a lasting positive impact on Jim's life: gratitude towards his boss, fixing his drinking problem, renewed passion to be a better worker, and more.
I hope that one day I can have this kind of positive influence on someone's life.
Being Kind Makes Your Own Life Richer
The kindness you give today has a way of coming back—not always in direct ways, but in the form of deeper relationships, unexpected support, and a lasting sense of fulfillment.
What about you? What is an act of kindness you can do for someone in your life today?
David J. Schwartz
Do you feel like there's a big gap between your ideal and current life? That's how I felt for years until I took action. Since leaving my full-time job, I've built a career I feel deeply passionate about, made more time for my loved ones, and began pursuing passion projects (like this blog!).
I created a practical guide filled with actionable, research-backed ideas to help you build the life you want – many of which helped me on my own journey.
The guide is free for members—and signing up is free! Join now to get your copy.
Member discussion