“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.”
~ Henry Ward Beecher,Social Reformist & Speaker (1813 - 1887)
While the leftovers may be nearly gone, and you might still be "working off" the day of food and indulgences, Thanksgiving need not be "over"!
Sure, the 4th Thursday of November is behind us, and the calendar is about to be turned to another month soon, and yet there is every opportunity to turn the past into the present by keeping the feeling, the attitude and the actions of being one of "thanksgiving" alive and engaged!
I don't mean bake, fry or slow roast a turkey each day, nor am I suggesting you need family and/or friends around to give thanks. Absolutely, it is a terrific day of coming together, sharing, appreciating (and even eating and watching football), and I, like many of you, enjoy the festivities and traditions, too. Still, at the heart of the holiday is the idea of gratitude for what we have and hope for what we will create. There is a respect and calm (and that is not just the tryptophan) that comes around that one day....and it need not end with the Black Friday sales.
Instead, consider embracing each little luxury like freedom, friends, family, similarities, differences, opportunities, challenges, life, love, growth and learning each and every day...in your own way. You may opt to volunteer, write a note, share a compliment, hold a door, let someone in on the road, openly state your gratitude, or quietly appreciate someone or something. Whatever you choose to do, add a little courtesy, take a second or two, and make that conscious, appreciative point of not letting the feeling of Thanksgiving be over...rather...keep it ongoing!
“Never let a problem to be solved become more important than the person to be loved.” ~ Barbara Johnson, American best-selling author (B. 1927)
While it can be time-sensitive to address an issue or a mistake, it is important to remember not to break a person while fixing a problem! How we approach a situation is often as lasting as the fact that we do correct an error.
Unless there is malice or intent to destroy/destruct, then please keep in mind that the steps are to:
1) discuss and identify the error/problem
2) assess the correction options
3) agree on the best action to take (and when)
4) ensure it is clear to avoid the same or similar error in the future
5) let it go and let the person take the action and implement the learning
You may find that in a some environments you feel it is best if you act first and then address things. If that is the case, share the timing and what you did as a result, and then go through the process above for coaching.
While these steps may seem lengthy, they can be done quickly, and with dignity as well as accountability. This is not an attempt to soft-sell a mistake, rather the opportunity to not only make something "right" while addressing it in the "right" way!
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
~ Brandi Snyder
Being alone can be empowering. Accomplishing something yourself is an undertaking. And yet, there are some times, many times, where the power of another person, especially a friend, can make all the difference in the world. That friend can even allow you to feel more welcomed, assertive, confident, important, fun, funny, and just real!
According to Dictionary.com, the verb form of beam means to emit in, or to smile radiantly, and, after all, isn't that what friendship can do for us?
Today, and each day, extend that BEAM of friendship, meaning:
Be a friend (not too busy for others)
Embrace a friend (who doesn't like a hug from someone who care)
Ask a friend (often another opinion can assist you with your direction)
Make a friend (you can never have too many!)
In our gratitude, interaction, and celebration of friends and our friendships, we shine a little brighter, and do make the difference in this world...we even beam because of it!
“Everyone is a millionaire where promises are concerned.” ~Ovid, Ancient Roman classical Poet and Author of Metamorphoses (43 BC-17)
When people are interested, they make promises. When people are committed, they take action. The difference in their interest and their commitment...their promises and their actions, depends on their SIG Factor.
The SIG factor is something I quickly assess in situations, and it means:
S - SKIN
I - IN THE
G - GAME
What, how, and how much of is a SIG Factor for those involved? When you expect a lot of people, you must communicate it, make it appealing, and tap into the reward/motivator of that person. From any or all of the following: the desire to participate, the enjoyment of doing what is asked, the outcome of the experience, the incentive that is available, the SIG Factor will be increased or decreased for each individual. Ensure you set your prediction of the level of delivery based on how well you have incorporated the other person having Skin In the Game in order to evaluate and anticipate properly.
The higher the SIG Factor, the greater the likelihood that the interest will yield commitment and that the person's promise will beget action.
