Always Be Humble and Kind
On the wall in our living room are the words from a Tim McGraw song.......Always Be Humble And Kind. After a long week of being antagonized by someone several times per day via e-mail, I decided it was time to put my mind and heart to rest. I became determined to turn their negative energy into something positive. Rather than allowing someone to bring me down with their negativity. I decided it was time for me to work harder at lifting other people up.
This can be done is such simple ways and the impact could be huge for someone who is having a bad day. A little kindness can go a long way.
I usually try to make a point to say THANK YOU to my employees and coworkers when they help me with something. I try to end all of my e-mails with THANK YOU or MUCH APPRECIATED.
This week I really wanted to go beyond saying THANK YOU to people. I want to make sure people know I'm sincere. So I started with this....... When I placed an online order at a local restaurant I used the space for "optional instructions" and typed out a message for the restaurant staff that said, "Thank you for taking the time to prepare our meal. We appreciate you and the wonderful foods you provide for our family."
At the local convenience store, I went inside to pay for gas instead of paying at the pump as I normally do. I wanted to take the opportunity to go inside and thank the clerk. It's so simple to add a few words. Just say, "Thank you, I hope you have a nice evening".
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These simple phrases when said with sincerity can make a difference in your day.
At work, I occasionally stay late just so I can visit with our police officer who works the night shift. I feel it's important to visit with him about family, how his week is going or what's going on in town. I want him to know he is an important part of our "team". It also gives me an opportunity to say, "Have a good night. And be safe."
Words are simple to say and can have such a positive impact.
These simple words can do a lot to counter act the negative energy that others may be spreading. Find the words you feel are best and share a little kindness with the people you meet each day. Always be humble and kind.
Host of City Manager Unfiltered podcast | Founder of the American Association of Municipal Executives | Have largest and most engaged audience of city/county managers | Proud father of a United States Marine & Sailor
3 年I enjoyed reading your note. Great perspective and something I can definitely do more of in my own city. I saw a shirt the other day that said something like "going the extra mile is never crowded" and your words reminded me of this.