The Little Things

“I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things... I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind.”― Leo F. Buscaglia

Whether it is a Monday, a Thursday, a holiday or any day, it is often the little things that either make someone smile or simply get overlooked. Taking a wee bit of time for the little things is a choice, and one you are encouraged to make...over and over again! What are some of the "little things" to which I am referring? Here are just a few:

Smiling at a stranger (and keep smiling even if s/he does not smile back)

Holding the door for someone who is a bit farther away than a couple of steps (and not getting frustrated if that person doesn't put his/her hand out to support the door instead of just stepping through or doesn't say "thank you)"

Letting someone in on the road/traffic (even if they miss the wave to thank you)

Waving to someone who lets you in on the road/traffic

Sending a thank you note

Complimenting someone for something they did

Calling someone to hear their voice instead of just texting

Saying hello and addressing an issue to a colleague at his or her desk instead of emailing/instant messaging all day

Paying for a stranger's coffee or meal while you are out or they are behind you in the drive-thru

Letting someone tell a story they like telling again (even if you have heard it many times)

Saying "please" and "thank you"...and meaning them both

While these are just a few ideas for this great day, remember that the big things get celebrated, but often the little things are what make a difference!

Listen More Slowly...

“To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well." - John Marshall

Do you ever feel like listening is a pain, time-consuming, or just something you are “not good at”? If so, you are likely driven, high-energy, and possibly slightly (I am being kind) impatient. That’s okay, it got you where you are today. If you want to connect further, learn more, and even offer value in how you converse from the listening side, please consider these tips for what I call “listening more slowly” to others:

-Take notes
-Consider the topic and not the person
-Imagine you have to “buzz in” before responding, so that you make a physical motion before opening your mouth
-Ask what or how questions for clarification (watch your tone) before offering your view
-Agree with a person and disagree with an idea (no attacking someone…especially by name)
-Share what you perceive the person is stating and ask if you are on-track prior to sharing an opinion
-Let someone know you would like time to process it (if you have nothing kind to say or you want other information)
-Remember, you are listening to learn, not just listening to respond

By even focusing on listening in a positive way (not saying “I’m just not a good listener”) , your efforts will pay off in improvement. Then, if you incorporate one or all of the tips/tools above, you just might hear something you really like!!