Would you rather be right or kind?

There have been moments in my professional life when I knew that I was right. I knew it for 100 percent. Yet, hierarchies above me decided differently or corrected me.

Ouch.

But I was the subject matter expert. 

But I was closest to what happened. 

But I had so much experience. 

How could they doubt my work or decide instead of letting me make the decision? Well, they did. Whether I liked it or not.

When it was big to me, I got frustrated. I did not understand their decision. I talked with my supervisor about my view of the situation.

She said, “Yes, you are 100 percent right. But even if you are 100 percent right, you have the choice between being right and being kind. Choose to be kind. Always.”

I would like to connect this statement with another advice I received.

“Always assume good intent.”

I might have been right, but — for whatever reason — the other person decided differently and I have to trust that they made the best decision possible for them.

And even if I knew the reason for their decision, I might not understand it. Maybe because my way of thinking or working is different. Maybe because my cultural background is different. Maybe because I lack of life experience or maturity.

Actually, it does not matter.

Knowing the reasons can help me grow my mindset or change my perspective. But even if I never knew, I’d still have the choice to trust in them. And I can definitely forgo of being right and opt for kindness.