As the author of a book entitled “Introducing Love: The new Corporate Paradigm” I am often asked the whys and hows of bringing love to the workplace, which I do realize can feel challenging, as it seems somewhat counter to today's culture. So, in this season of love, I thought I would share some ways you can bring love to your workplace.
1. Be where you are
Be 100% present wherever you are. Not thinking about where you are going or where you have been. You may need to do this gradually. Start with 60 minutes, and then double that time once you have accomplished 60 minutes in the present state. After you have completed 120 minutes, add another hour. Continue this process until you spend your waking hours of one day present. You can take some time each day to plan tomorrow, to increase your chances of accomplishing this goal. Reflect on the benefits you received from being present in the moment.
2. Smile
This is a physical action that most everyone can do. It has no language barriers and can warm up a room. It needs to be sincere, so get your mind right first. Watch out for reactions as smiling is contagious.
3. Take responsibility for your actions (all of them)
It may be easier to blame your choices on an external villain or event. Other people willingly accept that excuse from us. Part of the reason you are where you are, is due to a choice you made. Admit your mistake and make a new choice next time.
4. Bring in a small token of friendship
Baked goods, etc. help to repair a broken relationship or apologize for a mistake. It is also a loving way to introduce yourself to a new person. Get six and start a first day on the job meeting fad.
5. Empty your mind of your agenda
Go into work for one day totally supporting other people’s objectives. Zig Ziglar said, “you get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” You may be surprised on how many of your goals are positively impacted in the end.
6. Give someone 5 minutes of your undivided attention
Schedule a meeting with someone you care about and let them know how present you are by asking questions and REALLY hearing what they are saying. Do this with the intention of supporting them 100%. Your total commitment to them is a great gift. By the way, this works just as well at home! Still personally working on this one.
7. Spend your breaks thinking about what is most important to you
When you get a few minutes, instead of devoting all of that to your smartphone, take 50% of that time back for you. Start old school, with a writing utensil and paper. What if you could only keep 3 things in your life (i.e. family, job, spiritual beliefs). Write those down in 3 columns at the top of the page. For each item, continue to ask yourself why that is in the top 3? Or, what does that bring me? Write those reasons down under each column. If the list changes because of your internal inquiry, so be it. When we focus more of our time on the important things in our lives, we waste less on things that do not bring us value.
8. Stop and think before replying
Take a breath, and think about the impact your initial reaction could cause. Will it help or hurt the relationship? Will it help solve a problem or be beneficial feedback? Sarcasm is not always funny.
9.Find someone that you have difficulty communicating with
Think about what bothers you about how they communicate. Are they too blunt? Emotional? Slow to commit? Risky to support? Remind yourself that people have different styles of communicating, not better or worse. Try to understand why they use that style and modify your next approach to support their style.
I hope these tips help. If you would like more insight on how to Introduce Love to the workplace I would encourage you to bring Rein along in book form or through a live workshop- start a Love Campaign of your own.
I promise it will be worth it!
Love,
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