Let’s be GENEROUS with our love and praise

It’s so natural and easy to be generous with our love – at least with some people in our lives. This picture draws to mind a grandfather and granddaughter, which reminds me of those in our close circle who we are able to embrace so much easier (most of the time, that is…). That’s a good thing!

Today, however, I’m thinking about how to be generous with love with all people. It’s absolutely essential that we all learn or grow this character quality of generously giving love, praise and gratitude. It makes our world the best place, when we all come to the table with this approach and attitude. Here are a couple of things that I am contemplating:

• Too often, we jump into a conversation – let’s use the business world as an example – and start right into the topic at hand. We establish meeting agendas and construct our days with a focus on getting the work done. That’s America in action.

  What if we all held ourselves accountable with setting up every conversation, every meeting agenda, every day with the focus on people first? What if we genuinely took time to express genuine praise, or to share a fun story to highlight someone’s wins? What if? Wouldn’t it be nicer? Wouldn’t the energy increase? Wouldn’t the culture and momentum of the team build?

• I’m also giving thought to the fact that there is so much power in the written word. Let’s not forget that while our schedules heat up with back to school, sports and a renewed focus on wrapping up the year strong, that we need to stop and generously offer words of encouragement. A tiny post it note of thanks will often be found on someone’s work space wall, home desk or tucked in a wallet for months and years to follow. People need and want to be recognized. That’s all people, regardless of status, title or age. If our schedules somehow get in the way of putting pen to (actual) paper, then I would submit that generously sending text messages or emails are also powerful. Those, like the post-it note, can be screenshot, and will serve as an ongoing reminder to people of their impact.

This is so important and I hope today that you will join me in being generous with your love and praise.