We Mirror What We Receive.

At work

Keep the laughter there at all times

In my work I spend a lot of time listening to people, maybe it’s my clients, or friends and family, or often it’s interaction with my mentors and coach. I don’t judge what I hear, I just listen, take note of the message and tone of the conversation and afterwards examine the basic tenet to get the big picture of what’s happening.

 Let me give you a couple of examples.

After I sent out last week’s tip to you I received a number of emails from people wanting to unsubscribe and a couple of others who made comments about what I wrote about. Nothing new about that, people are subscribing, unsubscribing and commenting all the time. I love to get feedback, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know, what I say may not be to everybody’s liking because occasionally something is thrown up that someone takes issue to. I love this, it’s called free speech and it’s what makes our world a fantastic place to live in. What was interesting about last week though was the tone of the messages I received. There was a spitefulness or frustration just below the surface and it was reflected in how their messages came across to me.

I mentioned this to someone very near and dear to me a day or so ago and she agreed. She had noticed something was brewing at her work, something she couldn’t put her finger on, her boss and some colleagues were particularly testy. They came out with really silly things they wanted her to do that were out of character.

 So what’s happening?

Have you found that your friends, colleagues and family have been a bit short with you lately? Okay, maybe more than just short with you, downright testy?

Well, guess what! It’s two sided, it’s not just them, it you too. Remember, what you receive is mirrored by what you’re sending out. I’m conscious of this as I write this message to you because I know that what I say may have an affect on you. I’m also aware of the conversations I have with people and that some of what I say may upset people. Now, I know I can’t change everything I say to people to suit the particular person I’m talking to, what I can do though, is be aware of what I say and be prepared that I could upset that person.

 What do I do?

Well if you know me, you’ll know I’m always cheerful, positive. I try to be as loving and friendly and empowering to everyone I have dealings with. I’ve become famous for it. As I write this I’m sitting in my daughters restaurant with a coffee and a man and a little girl walked in and I immediately chatted to the little girl (she’s still here and I think I have a friend for life, how cool is that!). My daughter’s comment as she walked back to the kitchen was “Typical! Happy with everyone!”. Yes, I am and I work on being that every minute of the day.

 Do you see what I’m getting at here?

We have an impact and effect on everyone we meet, ever second of the day. It’s how we interact with these people that makes our our life outstanding. It starts with us, Wwith what we write in that email or text message, how we answer the phone and how we converse with our clients. Yes, you can be off colour, feeling a bit melancholy or even downright angry and that’s your right. But don’t expect to have a fantastic day and don’t expect your relationship with others to be amazing. You see, believe it or not, your reason for existence on the planet is to strive for happiness; being in a negative, disempowering place is not going to get you to that happiness.

 Call to Action

Slow down just a little. Where ever you are, what ever you’re doing, slow down and think about what you’re about to say. Engage people. Whether it’s in the supermarket, at work, at home, with friends, anywhere. When you write that text message, read it before you send it and ask yourself “Would I like to receive this message?”, and the email, same thing. Don’t send it straight away, hold your finger over the send button for a few seconds, re-read it. Happy? Yes. Now send it.

Having a coffee or a meal? Smile at the people around you, engage them. Yes, they might think you’ve lost your marbles, then again, you might just make someone’s day. Your small action could make someone’s day or even save a life.

 

Let’s face it, we all need a little help, and we just need to remember where that help comes from. It starts with ourselves!

 

Have the best outstanding day.

 

Andrew

 

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