A little reminder I made for myself, for those days when everybody around seems to be totally incompetent:
Today I will (most likely) encounter idiots. It's not their fault: they're doing their best with what they've got. May I meet them with balance and compassion.
Some people are in way over their heads. Some are hurt and acting to prevent themselves from being hurt more. Some people have very different priorities or enculturation. Some have a very different understanding of what is going on in the first place. (which is obviously inferior to my understanding, right?)
All people are worthy of our kindness and thoughtful consideration.
Some situations require a response from strength, others will resolve better with a softer approach. Our ability to discern the "best" action depends on our capacity to understand what is going on.
The most important thing is to acknowledge each situation for what it is, and remember that everybody involved is trying as hard as they are able to do their best at their own life.