If one part of fairness means that we will not blame others for mistakes that we make, then it must also mean that we will not judge others until we listened to all sides of the story. Frank Tyger is quoted as saying, “Listening to both sides of a story will convince you that there is more to a story than both sides.”
Being sure that we listen to everyone, allows each person to have their say from the point of view that they saw the events. Our personal perspective is always colored by our past experiences, what we want to be true, and relationships.
Being a leader though requires us to listen carefully, ask questions, respect the views of others, in order to make all things fair. While true for all people and situations, this is especially true for parents as we deal with siblings and friends. Our children will have their view of what took place in a disagreement and many times we will have either pre-determined who did the bad deed, or we feel like we do not have the time to listen to all the details and just punish everyone.
Neither is fair, and teaches our children that they do not have to listen to all sides before making a decision. Setting this example of fairness
will help our children make better judgements of situations and people as they grow up.