Small actions make a noticeable difference
As the leader of a school, I received an email this weekend from a parent noticing and thanking the staff for walking students under an umbrella when it was raining. This was a small act, but it demonstrated care and alignment to what we believe as an organization. We often hear negativity and critique for things people don't like. However, people do notice the positive, they may just not communicate them as much.
Parent email:
Thanks to you and your staff for the little things that you do. I noticed this week when it was raining that staff members would walk students to their cars with umbrellas. It is clear that you care about children and their overall wellbeing. I realize that it is impossible to escort every child sheltered from the rain at all times. However, thank you for the care and thoughtfulness you and the staff have towards children every day.
There are so many things that individuals can do to make to make a huge difference - smiling and greeting others, making conversation with families, asking if others are okay, taking a moment to listen despite being extremely busy. They ARE noticed and they DO make a difference. Small act that are in alignment with the mission contribute to a greater noticeable good.
The recent blog from George Couros talks about lifting other people up. Sharing positivity and recognizing other people is a win-win (much like this parent email). Others feel better; we feel better. Daniel Pink shares a simple strategy in an interview with Christine Porath, author of Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace, about a simple strategy to foster a positive workplace climate. In Porath’s 10-5 rule strategy 5-10, she describes how a simple interaction of smiling, saying hello and acknowledging others can have a significant impact on climate. The strategy states that if people are within 10 feet of one another, you acknowledge their existence. If they are within 5, say hello.
Questions to help make small positive differences:
What do you notice about the interactions in the workplace between strangers? Acquaintances? teammates? Supervisors/Subordinate?
What is the culture of celebration, appreciation, or acknowledgment?
How do those that you work with like to be appreciated? How do you know?
