Today’s Morning Buzz is by Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, Fla., and proud new member of ELGL’s Board of Directors. Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.
- What I’m reading: I just finished “The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music” by Dave Grohl – an authentic and enjoyable read
- What I’m cooking: Turkish Yalanci Manti
- What I’m watching: Nothing, since Season 2 of “Severance” just ended. Nothing else but a Season 3 will be worthy of a watch. Of all the possible endings I conjured up, I was wrong on all counts.
When you think of the mentors or people who inspired you in your career, I’ll bet you remember what they gave you. No, not that cool motivational office sign or the box of dark chocolate truffles, I mean the non-physical gifts that inspire you to want to work where you work and do what you do. You don’t think fondly about the coworker who always turned reports in on time, nor the guy who was five minutes early at every meeting. But you remember the “gifts” that made a long-lasting difference for you.
I’m certainly not implying we all don’t give enough. We offer all our effort to our work every day, right (or at least a good, solid effort)? But have we given something today that honestly had an impact on someone? How about giving out one of these:
Encouragement.
Did you check in on someone struggling, or simply tell someone they did something awesome? Your words can have a profound impact, often more than you realize.
An opportunity.
Have you taken a chance on someone who may not have had the perfect resume, but had a super attitude? Have you asked someone who is burning to learn a chance to work on something new? One small break can inspire someone’s entire career.
A sincere “thank you.”
Did you take a quick second just to say, “Thanks?” It’s the simplest thing to do, but a too-often overlooked gesture.
Kudos to an employee’s supervisor.
Have you told an employee’s supervisor about their good work or service? Especially for a public service supervisor, the fact that you want to talk about their employee when it isn’t a complaint is refreshing and an opportunity for good notes to go in a personnel file.
Time.
Did you help someone today, or simply listen when you had 1,284 other things on your plate? Teamwork is all about supporting one another, but it takes time. Your gift of undivided attention and time tells others you value them, and is significant.
An embrace of honesty.
Did you receive feedback and act on it today? It can be challenging to accept, let alone welcome, constructive criticism, but valuing that insight is a significant part of personal and professional development and a gift to yourself. Which brings us to…
An investment in yourself.
Did you sign up for that educational opportunity, leave work on time instead of burning the midnight oil, or eat a lunch that wasn’t wrapped in plastic? Taking care of yourself makes you better equipped to give your best to others.
So, what did you give today? Whether it was sharing your ideas, supporting a colleague, or caring for your needs, every contribution matters.
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” –H. Jackson Brown Jr.