It is inevitable that you have one of those days when nothing seems to go right. Although you try to keep a positive attitude toward the day, you find yourself getting worn down and starting to grumble about the way things are going. And then someone walks up to you, gives you a smile and asks if you would like to have a cup of coffee with them. That one small act of kindness brings a smile to your face as you tell them you would love to.
It does not take much effort to show an act of kindness. The effort is in learning when it is needed the most and bringing yourself to do it. For example, if you were the person mentioned above that saw you grumbling through your day, you may not feel so inclined as to be kind. More than likely, you would want to keep your distance and feel critical of that grumbling. But that person understood that you needed that act of kindness to brighten your day. In being able to have understanding and compassion for others you will find it easy to show kindness to them.
Condemning or criticizing others not only makes them defensive against you, but it is also counterproductive in getting what you need or want from someone. Instead, try to understand why people do what they do. After all, they do have their reasons for their words and actions. In understanding their motivations, you are breeding tolerance, sympathy and kindness, and the other person will let down their defenses.
Dale Carnegie wrote, “Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” In showing them kindness, they are more likely to be more productive at work as well as at home, and your act of kindness will have a lasting impression on them. They are more likely to do nearly anything for you that you ask, since they tend to feel more trust in you. It is in finding the good in people instead of the bad that allows us to motivate them through our kind ways, and receive their kindness in return.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @MarkWillDCT.
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