I love this phrase and find it to be so true. When you focus on the good, the positive and what works, you begin to see more of it. Tal Ben Shahar uses this phrase a lot and reminds his students that “appreciate” has two meanings, 1. to be thankful and grateful and 2. that the item grows in value.
Simply put, by noticing something about the other person which you appreciate, and when appropriate, which is often, sharing it, you build positivity within a relationship. With patients just thinking about what you appreciate about the individual will help smooth your interactions by putting you in a more positive frame of mind. A foundation of goodwill and noticing what is right, going well and positive, makes it is easier to get through the challenges which occur when you have less than ideal lab results and diagnoses to share.
Everyone likes a compliment. From the simple “I like your tie or haircut” to “I admire the way you handled this situation.” All are ways to build connection. Through noting the positive you build confidence in the other person and in the relationship. Let’s face it, it’s easier to be more confident in yourself when someone else is confident in you. Patients need the encouragement of nurses and physicians to deal with challenges of illness, accidents and disease.
Being with people who are ill, in pain, anxious or depleted takes a toll on you. As healthcare professionals you’re expected to somehow “just deal with it”. However, it wears you down. By focusing, at least breifly, on the positive and good, you get to remember the other side of people and your work. You build your resilience through focusing on the good that already exists.
If you are a manager communicating positive energy consistently is important. The Gallup Organization found that a key to employee productivity was feeling cared for by a supervisor or someone at work. Can you relate to this, especially if you’re an employee? The measures for “feeling cared for” were employees receiving recognition or praise during the past seven days and regular encouagement of their development. Success feeds on itself. Appreciating the positive fuels more of the postive.*
What do you do to notice the good in those you interact with, patients, co-workers and family? How do you express what you appreciate? Share what you do that increases the good in your relationships by clicking on the text bubble. For a more personal approach to cultivating your relationships contact me.
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
Revitalize Your Life
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*Loehr, Jim and Schwartz, Tony, The Power of Full Engagement, Free Press Paperbacks, NY, NY, 2003, p. 75
