Aha Moment Monday
Everyone brings joy to the room; some when they arrive, and some when they leave.
(I’m sure you’re laughing because we have all experienced people in both categories!)
Now, to be fair, we know that every single person brings value and significance to humankind – we are all here for a reason – it’s just that on a personal level, some people can make us feel invigorated and others can be a little draining.
And that becomes abundantly clear when we’re in situations where we can’t choose our company ….. family, work, or committees.
We need to be aware that in all circumstances we really don’t see people as they are, we see people as we are.
Do you follow me here?
We see people, not as they present themselves, but as how we perceive their presentation.
We’re always gauging and responding to what feels good and what doesn’t and we do it subconsciously.
It’s a rather subjective filter and is as unique as our fingerprint.
If we see people who we perceive as generous and loving, it’s likely because we are generous and loving – we recognize those traits.
So what comprises this filter that makes us fear or revere?
Aha – every encounter reaffirms our values
Values are your personal decisions about an unlimited number of characteristics – honesty, integrity, generosity, happiness, mastery, temperance, effectiveness, courtesy, commitment, patriotism – and it’s through the filter of those personal values that we gauge others.
You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase, “opposites attract”. One person in a relationship is a risk taker, the other is conservative. One person is outgoing, the other is more shy.
The opposites themselves can represent a sense of completion when they’re together, but they can also be a source of frustration. One or the other – completion or frustration – will ring true based on, you’ve got it, shared values.
Opposites may have different ways of approaching a retirement plan, raising kids, hiring in the workplace, vacations, philanthropy or education, but if the values between you are similar, you can not only co-exist, you can thrive.
Here’s the thing about values: you can’t hide them. You wear them like a badge. They’re in every word you speak and every action you take.
Good new is, the same holds true for everyone else.
Highly functioning organizations aren’t so because the people are all the same, au contraire as every business needs a variety of people and skills to thrive.
Highly functioning organizations have a mega-power source – VALUES – that absolutely everyone plugs into.
Let there be light!
Have your Aha Moment Mondays delivered right to your inbox… sign up here.