Every day we are surrounded by amazing things, happening right under our nose. We are busy; moving quickly, running errands, working, meetings, you name it.
Sometimes we are so busy we miss important things that are going on with our friends, family, co-workers, even with ourselves.
If we don’t stop to recognize small improvements, little steps toward larger goals, or the effort someone may be making towards improving a situation at the work place; we are missing a lot. Make an effort to see what you are missing. Be part of the change that is possible. Here are a few things to consider:
1. When someone is talking to you, stop what you are doing and look at them. Let them finish what they are saying before you interrupt them with your thoughts. Make yourself a note while they are talking if you don’t want to forget your thought, but let them finish.
2. When you respond to them, repeat the main thought that they were talking about; “I understand that you think we should rotate lunch hours to improve customer service, is that what you mean?”
3. Let the person agree that you have heard their comment or request the way they intended to deliver it to you.
4. Then respond with your thoughts.
How can we see the things that are changing around us? What about things that need to change to make our environment healthier?
This same technique works with family discussions. People need to be heard and know that they conveyed their thought clearly before your opinion is expressed.
Let others express themselves and if their suggestion will not work in its entirety, how about a compromise? If someone is taking the time to suggest an alternative approach to a problem that is not being solved easily, then you may establish some innovative ideas through collaboration.
The old saying “two heads are better than one,” has a lot of truth to it. Keep an open mind when it comes to solving issues at work and at home.
Are you feeling burnt out and need some new ideas to cope with issues you are dealing with? Let us know what they are! We are here to help you! “Now, let’s get going!” xo Sally