Disclaimer: This is a totally gratuitous, possibly a little boastful post. I have it made, as do my co-workers. We have an amazingly kind, fun, optimistic, totally wonderful boss. In these worrisome days of a dismal economic outlook, it seems that most people are focused on how bad things are. Sometimes we have to take time to look around at the people we are with every day and realize we have a lot to feel good about. For the past two days I kept getting the overwhelming feeling that I just needed to tell my boss how great it is to work with him. I didn't want to come off as a kiss up, but when I thought about it I realized that we often have no qualms about criticizing or complaining, but we can feel squeamish giving a heartfelt compliment. Maybe we just need more practice with it. Why do we feel so awkward telling someone else how much we value them? Why do we brush off the urge to say something nice? We worry more that someone will think we're odd when we give a compliment than we worry about what they'll think when we say something negative. I'm sure I looked completely goofy when I told Dr. Morgan that we have it made, but I'm glad I did it. He looked so pleased and he immediately responded that he has it made, as well. That sure feels better than complaining or blaming. So, maybe it would be a good idea to make a habit out of giving truly felt compliments. I say truly felt, because I don't want you to go around giving smarmy, insincere comments. People see through insincerity and it makes them feel weird about you, so make sure you mean it.
Think about it, are you holding back? Why? Do you worry about how the other person will receive your compliment? Do it anyway. Even if they act uncomfortable, inside they love it. Keep it up, you might get everyone else started. Our staff really likes and supports each other and we don't mind letting each other know that. We probably don't do it often enough though, so I'll need to expand it out to them. We should never take having it good for granted. If we don't have it so great, we should try to find ways to change that. It has to start somewhere. Why not with you?
In these worrisome days of a dismal economic outlook, it seems that most people are focused on how bad things are. Sometimes we have to take time to look around at the people we are with every day and realize we have a lot to feel good about. For the past two days I kept getting the overwhelming feeling that I just needed to tell my boss how great it is to work with him. I didn't want to come off as a kiss up, but when I thought about it I realized that we often have no qualms about criticizing or complaining, but we can feel squeamish giving a heartfelt compliment. Maybe we just need more practice with it. Why do we feel so awkward telling someone else how much we value them? Why do we brush off the urge to say something nice? We worry more that someone will think we're odd when we give a compliment than we worry about what they'll think when we say something negative.
I'm sure I looked completely goofy when I told Dr. Morgan that we have it made, but I'm glad I did it. He looked so pleased and he immediately responded that he has it made, as well. That sure feels better than complaining or blaming. So, maybe it would be a good idea to make a habit out of giving truly felt compliments. I say truly felt, because I don't want you to go around giving smarmy, insincere comments. People see through insincerity and it makes them feel weird about you, so make sure you mean it.
Think about it, are you holding back? Why? Do you worry about how the other person will receive your compliment? Do it anyway. Even if they act uncomfortable, inside they love it. Keep it up, you might get everyone else started. Our staff really likes and supports each other and we don't mind letting each other know that. We probably don't do it often enough though, so I'll need to expand it out to them. We should never take having it good for granted. If we don't have it so great, we should try to find ways to change that. It has to start somewhere. Why not with you?