Do The Unexpected
Have you ever had someone do something, say something, or give you something that was totally unexpected? Nice, huh?
Yesterday, I was talking to one of my personal coaching clients. She is having a back problem that is causing her much discomfort and concern. I told her of a friend who could possibly help. I told her I would try to locate some of my friend’s articles, resource materials, and advice on one particular issue.
And so, I sent an email to my friend who responded quickly and asked if we could speak. “Of course”, I said. And the reason she wanted to speak was that she wanted to call my client personally to offer advice and recommendations. No charge. She just wanted to reach out person to person to help.
Now that, my friends, is doing the unexpected. Or, perhaps better said, that is doing all that is expected and more!!!!
Sometimes “doing the unexpected” means recognizing or expressing appreciation for the nice things that people do “just because” –either at home or on the job. Remember that our mothers taught us to say “thank you”. Maybe there was a reason!!
Researchers have identified appreciation as the most desired factor of people in the workplace today. That fact has transcended time, but it still remains true that expressing appreciation is ‘UNEXPECTED”. So, do the unexpected: with sincerity, gratitude, and heartfelt care.
Ken Thoreson, president and CEO of Acumen Consulting, says that “when you see something good, say something. When you hear something good, say something.” Oftentimes we fall into a “trance” of doing what needs to be done; or, we focus so intently on the doing that we lose sight of who is doing it; or we just know something is going to be done and lose sight of how important each small and large activity is to the whole.
Ask yourself the following two questions and brainstorm as many possible ideas as you can. (Do this with your company and, perhaps, with your family or any other organization with whom you are active).
- How can we express appreciation for the people on our team? (or family) (or organization)?
- What are some ways we can recognize people for work well done?
Today, do the unexpected. Reach out to someone with a “small act of kindness”: a word of acknowledgement; a note of thanks; a cookie from home. Go the extra mile: do all that is expected and a little bit more. Do this for your teammates. They will be warmed inside and out. Do this for your boss. She will be stunned. Do this for a client and they will be with you throughout time. Do this for your family. Build their self-esteem. Nurture your bond with them. Love them. Interestingly, when you reach out to another in kindness, the one who benefits the most may be you. Truly, it is better to give than to receive.
DO THE UNEXPECTED.
