Motivation Monday
Life Vest Inside has had the very good fortune of finding writers willing to share their Kindness Stories/Articles with us. One of our special recurring writers is David Jablinowitz, Op-Ed Editor at Jerusalem Post, who is famous for his “bus stories.”
SAD AND GLAD
Unfortunately, often because someone can speak and hear, they might think they are good communicators. I don’t think so! Effective communication requires much more. In addition to sincerity, empathy, kindness, mindfulness and compassion; good communication requires the appropriate use of Skills and Tools. The most popular Skills and Tools would include: Active Listening, Listening Pads, Asking Questions, Positive Phrasing & Words, Written Agendas, Visual Aids, and others. One tool often forgotten is the Tool/Skill known as ‘Sad and Glad’.
Sad and Glad is appropriately used in most any ‘unfortunate’ situation in which you wish to acknowledge a problem/mistake and then gracefully ‘move on’ to a solution. When an ‘unfortunate’ situation (mistake, error, blunder, etc.) happens it is appropriate to express understanding and empathy. Expressing such will appear that you are caring. A simple and sincere apology works well. Once the problem is acknowledged, it is valuable to ‘move on’ to a solution and not get lost in blame, guilt, worry, whining or winning. Sad and Glad is very useful in many situations both personally and professionally.
An example of Sad and Glad can be applied to food service. A customer is delivered a meal that is faulty for some reason and the server wants to acknowledge and apologize for the problem and then ‘move on’ to a solution.
Customer, “My fish is overcooked”
Server, “I am sorry (Sad) that your fish was overcooked AND I am glad you told me, I will correct it immediately with what you ordered”
SAD AND GLAD
SAD – Expressing understanding and acknowledgement will show another you are listening and empathic. An appropriate and sincere apology works well. Specifically stating, “I am sorry (Sad) about…” shows empathy.
AND – And is a conjunction and it ‘connects’ or ‘moves on’ from the misfortune. The opposite of AND is the word ‘But’ which is a negation. i.e. “I like you BUT…” The word And is very powerful and positive. And is a ‘transitional’ word.
GLAD – Stating a solution is vital. Being helpful and seeking solutions will move from the misfortunate on to a solution and an improvement in the relationship (hopefully).
The development of a new behavior will require time and Energy. 60-90 repetitions within 21 days may begin to have a positive impact upon your life and the lives of those with whom you communicate.
The use of Sad AND Glad can be used in many personal and professional situations. It is putting good Words and Actions towards others.
At a minimum, please eliminate the use of the word But.
~ Loren D. Lasher
Finding yourself inspired to share your kindness story/article? Please submit it HERE – you can share via text, audio or video. Our editor will look it over! You may see your writing in a future issue of The Daily Kind!
Kindness Quote
“Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts.”
Unknown
Act of Kindness
Be kind to your body today! Go for a walk, eat a healthy salad and load up on fruit & veggies, or take a nap if your body is calling for rest.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will not allow others dictate the way I should live. I must weigh my choices and be confident in my decisions.
