Today is a national day of giving. (See #GivingTuesday for more information.) Today after my workout, I snagged two Salvation Army Angel Tree cards from the tree in my gym’s lobby. The cards are the same gender and age as my kids. I’ll take my kids shopping tonight so we can all participate in this small token of giving back.
You can be a giver at work too. It doesn’t take any money, only a bit of time and an intention of generosity.
Here are eleven things you can give freely at work:
1. Encouragement. I’m working on a project that’s stretching me out of my comfort zone. A colleague sent me an encouraging email ending with “YOU’VE GOT THIS.” Those three simple words gave me courage to press on.
2. Thanks. Make your thank-you sincere, specific and heart-felt.
3. Time. Look around – who is struggling? What expertise can you share that will ease their load? Where can you step in and help out, even if just for a few minutes?
4. Attention. Put down your phone. Turn away from the computer. Look him or right in the eye and listen.
5. Praise. Commend someone’s mastery, not just that they’re “the best” at what they do.
6. Options. People appreciate choices. When at all possible, give them at least two ways to approach a situation. Better yet, let them come up with the options themselves.
7. Recognition. Giving appreciation isn’t a cookie-cutter deal. Be sure to tailor the way you give recognition.
8. Advice. But only when asked! Better yet, be a coach.
9. Trust. Many people say that trust must be “earned” but I believe in the giving it out freely. I mean, somebody has to go first when it comes to building a trusting relationship. Might as well be you.
10. Belief. Tell someone “I know you will be exactly what is needed”. Faith in someone’s abilities is a very powerful gift. Let someone know you believe in him or her.
11. Respect. Working with arrogant colleague? Yeah, it’s tough to give him some respect. Here’s why you might consider trying to care about the office jerk.
What will you give today?
Hi, Vickie, welcome to The People Equation! Yes, there are SO many ways to “give” if we just take a moment to think about it. Thanks for your contribution.