A few months ago, I was catching up with two friends from the UK, both of whom had attended one of the Certified Behavioural and Career Consultant Courses which I had conducted over the last few years. They made mention of the fact that, apparently, a law in the UK allowed squatters to basically take over someone's abode simply by moving in when the owner was not there. I had heard of this before, and it had struck me as being absolutely ludicrous. To me, that was stealing someone else's property, plain and simple! I gave it no further thought until I saw a Business Times article last week about the UK government moving to outlaw squatting in vacant homes. As usual, some applauded the move, and some were against it. It gave me cause to reflect. It seems to me that the "Nation of Shopkeepers" has become very much the nation of Ivanhoes - "Desdichado", or the "Disinherited" or "Unfortunate". This is in no small way attributable to the popular notion of "robbing the rich to give to the poor", played out for all to see on the big screen by films about Robin Hood and also the glorification of piracy in "Pirates of the Carribean". There was in the article some reference to Boy George having been a squatter, as though that were sufficient justification for the actions of squatters. On the one hand, it is nothing else but unjustifiable robbery. On the other hand, perhaps the rich, or the once-rich, brought it upon themselves by their callous attitude to the poor. I am talking here about the populace at large, being well aware of the noble deeds of the few who go out of their way to care for others, whether they be rich or poor.

Is outlawing squatters going to solve anything? Probably very little. Making squatting a manifestly criminal offence instead of a civil one would certainly help somewhat. Much more, obviously, needs to be done. One of the most pressing needs is the need for the development of genuine compassion. Compassion differs from sympathy and empathy in that one is moved to action after acknowledging another's difficulties and having some sentimental feelings for that other person as a result. Genuine compassion seeks win-win situations for all concerned. Genuine compassion will seize and throw out squatters who have taken over someone else's abode, but will also provide them with temporary housing and options for fruitful employment towards their own upkeep, personal development and fulfillment. Genuine compassion punishes those who will not work with the consequences of hunger and disenfranchisement. It also sees to it that fruitful employment options are made available, but will not molly-coddle those who seek a "Money for Nothing" lifestyle. Genuine compassion will applaud the rich who are providing many with fruitful employment and income, while unhesitatingly punishing the rich who become rich by dishonest gain and exploitation of the poor. The fact that this is not happening tells me that those in leadership of the UK have a sore lack of genuine compassion for those they are responsible for. It will be interesting to watch developments in this area over time.

Are YOU a compassionate leader? Do YOU have "squatters" in your organization? Perhaps they are not the type that take over someone else's turf, but do you know of those who are marginalized and are, perhaps, not being very fruitful as a result? Do you know of those that act like the proverbial "filthy rich", exploiting others for their own gain in your organization? What are you doing about it? The sooner you deal with both sides, the more efficient and effective your organization will become, and you will see it in lowered operating costs, greater business volume, and higher profit margins. Not to mention a great deal of satisfaction and fulfillment from knowing that you have accomplished something of lasting value. Go well!