Keep that Positive Attitude and Treat People with Respect
I was watching the local news and there was a story about a family that took in a stray dog just before the devastating storm that hit Texas last month.
She said the day before the storm was set to hit, she saw this 80-pound dog just wandering around. Her heart broke for the dog, so she and her family decided to take the dog in even though they already had 4 dogs and 2 cats.
The news reporter asked her what made her take the dog in, she said compassion and empathy. She couldn’t imagine herself being stuck outside with this record-breaking storm, and wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt if she found the dog later dead or injured.
I was floored by this story, mostly because I felt her compassion and empathy for the dog. It brought tears to my eyes since lately I have been hearing and seeing so many stories of people helping each other and trying to make the world around them better. More and more people are trying hard to be compassionate and empathetic to others. Last year’s trauma built walls around so many of us, it seems the last couple of months a lot of those walls are starting to come down.
Often times when someone lashes out, you may feel like you are the reason they are lashing out. It might be displaced anger, yet you are the one receiving redirected emotions. People lash out in the heat of a small frustration because it is typically easier than to lash out to the person or situation that is truly upsetting them. The dynamic of the relationship, or a fear of repercussions that could arise are two reasons why this happens.
Being compassionate and empathetic is understanding that everyone is going through something. You may not fully understand the emotion, however you can relate to because you have been through some difficult times yourself. Sometimes you did not handle the situation appropriately. This person must be going through something and that is why they are lashing out. When someone lashes out, do your best to keep a positive attitude.
I like the phrase “kill them with kindness” because it has helped me keep that positive attitude and treat people with respect. I do believe most people are good, and when they are treated with respect their attitude will slowly shift and become more respectful. I recall a time I had to call my insurance because someone did something wrong to me and I needed them to help. Obviously, I was mad yet the insurance agent treated me with compassion and kindness. It quickly changed my attitude and feelings about the situation. She helped me understand how small this issue really was and that everything was going to be okay.
At the end of the news story, after the storm passed the woman did bring the dog to a shelter when it was safe to reopen. Shortly after the dog was brought in, he was adopted out to a loving family. How can you find more ways to be compassionate and empathetic in your life? Whether it’s with your family, co-workers, patients or even the strangers on the street, everyone deserves kindness, love and respect. The more of it you can spread, the more of it you will receive.
Chris Ciardello, Consultant
Chris Ciardello joined Global Team Solutions as a consultant in 2013. As a practice management consultant, Chris is passionate about sharing his expertise in the areas of technology and marketing as it pertains to the dental office. Chris has a distinctive knack for understanding the needs of an office and he communicates those needs to the team, which creates a cohesive, productive atmosphere. He is a member of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants and Toastmasters International.
He can be reached at: Chris@GTSgurus.com.
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