4.3 Manage the dark side of human nature

If you treat human beings with love, kindness and respect, see the best in them, expect the best New Magna Carta Mediumfrom them and put them in an environment of security, trust and fairness, then the majority of people will behave very well. If you treat people with disrespect, expect the worst from them and put them in an environment of insecurity, fear and injustice, then most people will perform well below their potential and some will behave badly. The core essence of a human being is good and beautiful. We are kind, compassionate, generous, collaborative, gentle, caring and nurturing. The animal part of us competes for security, territory, sex, power, status and control. When we are frightened, hungry, unsettled, in pain, hopeless or feel disrespected, cheated, resentful or angry we can lash out and behave negatively. We experience jealousy, hatred, contempt, envy, greed, pride, sadness, hopelessness, resentment, lust, guilt, shame, fear and pleasure in hurting others. So, we need to be realistic about human nature. There is nothing morally superior or enlightened about being wilfully naive, pretending that human nature is all sweetness and light. We are much more successful and adaptive as individuals and groups if we are conscious of all these parts and manage them intelligently. Design systems, organisations and processes accordingly.