The Art of Helping

For Better or Worse

Helping makes the difference in all human encounters! Expressions we make do make a difference in the lives of other people. It may be the frown on our foreheads. Or the beginning of a nod. Or an unfriendly phrase beginning like “You people …” Or an inappropriate initiative, ending like “You must do this!” Or a stinging punishment, “You failed again!” Everything matters because all of life’s encounters may be “for better or for worse!”

In this context, the largest body of evidence ever put together indicates that all interactions between all helpers and helpees have a “for better or worse” effect upon the helpees (See Figure 1-1). In parent-child, teacher-student, counselor-counselee, husband-wife, and management-worker relationships, ...