Sunday, March 4, 2012

#9: Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

Wow!  Principle #9 may be my favorite yet.  It ranks right up there with #2 (Give honest, sincere appreciation) because the Hallmark girl in me made another appearance this week!  Some of the highlights of putting Principle #9 into action these past few days:
  • Telling one of Tyler's former teachers, Cassie, that he still talks about her.  She smiled from ear to ear at that news and responded, "Really?  That makes me feel good!"
  • Hand delivering a green lifesaver to my colleague/friend, Katie.  She had mentioned that green was her favorite lifesaver the week before.  Her response, "It's the little things!"
  • Posting a message on Facebook that complimented my dad on raising $6000 for children's cancer research -- and watching over 20 people "like" my dad's efforts.
  • Last but not least, throwing a party for my mom this weekend.  She hasn't seen Tyler in two months (a record) since she broke her wrist.  We celebrated their reunion in style: balloons, cake, and all!

I realized something this week.  We have every reason to undertake Principle #9.  It's easy!  In this day and age, it's as simple as writing on people's Facebook walls or shooting them a quick e-mail.  Even better, it's as easy as looking friends and loved ones straight in the eye and telling them - or showing them - they matter.

Make someone feel important this week.  It will do wonders for his/her morale - and just watch what it does for your own.

Tyler showing off the cake he made for Grandma!

2 comments:

  1. Wow, Hallmark girl, I'm surprised that you forgot one of the most obvious tactics for Principle #9 - the old fashioned, handwritten, personalized greeting card. "When you care enough to send the very best." Or my favorite, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

    You and Tyler threw a great party for Grandma this weekend. It was fun to watch Tyler and his "King" reunited!

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  2. You're right, Dad! I must have been so caught up in the excitement of #9 that I forgot to mention one of the best ways to achieve it. Thanks for reminding us of the power of "snail mail!"

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