 KINDNESS IN THE WORKPLACE &
BEYOND
By Jan Eden - success coach & marketing strategist
The year 2002 has arrived. It seems like yesterday we were all anticipating the dawning of
the New Millennium, and now we can boast of experiencing two whole years. Much has
occurred in two years. Time appears to disappear. The weather is awesome. The economy
continues to boom. Unemployment is at its lowest. We have much to be grateful for. With so
much abundance you would expect that this gratitude would spill over into the market place
in the form of Kindness. Since the devastation of September 11th, I have traveled
extensively across Canada, and idealistically I expected to experience a new level of
consciousness.
The September 11th experience truly communicated that we only have this
moment. There are no guarantees of tomorrow. I believe for many, we have become more aware
of this moment and the value it brings. Unfortunately, the ripple affect is not as visible
as one would expect. While traveling to Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, I expected
people to be more considerate of others, more polite, more aware of the value of life. But
life returned to normal. People still avoided eye contact. Smiles were at a premium.
'Please' and 'thank you' was rarely heard. Bottom line - it was obvious Kindness was
missing.
Why is Kindness so important in our world today? When there is Kindness
there is no fear. Watching CNN and witnessing the heroism that Kindness created at Ground
Zero, I believe Kindness was the mechanism that prevented more deaths. 25,000 people were
saved from ultimate disaster because of 'Acts of Kindness'. The 'gift of tragedy' is that
we actually stop and literally embrace the moment and act from our hearts not from greed,
manipulation, hidden agendas, or bottom lines. Kindness is being selfless. Kindness is
choosing to make a difference in another person's life. Kindness is an unconditional gift
of service to another.
Kindness heals conflict. The examples of Kindness demonstrated on
September 11th are the gifts left behind to wake us up to the value of doing unto others
as we would have them do unto us - the "Golden Rule". How do we incorporate
these examples into our everyday lives? Begin immediately by changing your attitude. Make
eye contact. Include a huge genuine smile. Listen to what others are really saying.
Kindness must begin with YOU. To wait for others to make the first Kind
move, you may wait forever. Being Kind is a conscious choice. Unless we recognize that
there are no accidents that we have surrounded ourselves with the people currently in our
lives, at work and at home regardless of their strengths and limitations, what is our
responsibility to their well being.
To create Kindness in the workplace needs a deliberate daily plan. To
plan each day with one 'Act of Kindness' not only will transform your life experience but
will create an everlasting ripple affect for others that will give them permission to do
an 'Act of Kindness' for someone else. Pick a person right now that you can practice being
Kind to. If you are having difficulty getting started, think of what would make you feel
special if someone were to stop and be kind to you. Being Kind is simple, it should not be
a stressful experience.
Listen each day to the likes and dislikes of your co-workers and the
people closest in your life. For example, if there is someone who works with you who
enjoys a latte and you happen to be walking past a coffee shop that offers latte's - stop
and purchase one. Pay attention to others. Why are they in your space? Why should you care
about them? Why should you consciously be kind to them and make their day? Each day, plan
to be Kind to just one person. When buying yourself a lottery ticket, buy another one and
drop it off to someone who needs your caring attention. The list goes on an on. In other
words make a difference in someone's day.
It is said that if you give unconditionally, you will receive 10 times
the reward for being Kind to another. I invite you to start 2002 by genuinely walking the
talk of choosing Kindness, without expectation of anything in return. I guarantee your
life will be filled with greater joy, abundance, and happiness beyond your wildest dreams.
You will truly be amazed. Make 2002 your official year to experience Kindness.
Jan Eden is a success coach and marketing strategist. For
21 years, Jan has enriched & enhanced companies & inspire individuals through her
coaching. To inquire about her personal coaching program contact Jan at email: coaching@janeden.com website: www.ceointraining.com |
