This is an amazing forum giving us all the opportunity to connect, share and learn.
I am writing this as I recently came out of hospital after surgery. A very rare visit for me.
I was overwhelmed and reminded by the qualities of courtesy, kindness, friendliness and respect practised by the anaesthetists, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff.
The nurses were especially amazing. They really took the time to smile, listen, help and were never judgemental. What makes them extra special is their resilience to be able to do this on a daily basis and for long years.
I do not believe that they are any different to us. We are all normal people. We all have those qualities.
I would kindly ask you all to please take 5 minutes out of you busy schedules to stop and reflect upon how you are treating others in your life especially, at work as this is where we spending most of our waking hours on a daily basis.
Please reflect upon whether you are treating others with courtesy, kindness, friendliness and respect. Are you really listening when in conversation? Are you being non-judgemental?
These are all things that we would like from others when they interact with us. Should we not do the same?
I am sure that most of us are doing those things already especially those people with whom I am connected.
None of us are perfect especially me! But I am sure, like me, you all strive to be your best on a daily basis. There is ALWAYS room for improvement and the opportunity to learn no matter how experienced and no matter what age!
Would it not make our lives and, more especially, our workplace and incredible place to be on a daily basis if we could all consistently treat each other in the that same way as I was treated in hospital?
We all know and feel that our workplace has changed/ is rapidly changing. The various Royal Commissions are a reflection of what is happening and how senior leaders are responding as if they had no part to play, it was just business as usual and platitudes will make the issues go away!
In my opinion, It is especially important for everyone but especially those in organisations with responsibilities for others to set a better example. This means at all levels.
It will help redefine the way business is conducted both internally and externally and hopefully, bring more honesty and integrity around goods and services that are offered and they way in which they are being offered.
It would help people feel that we got what we paid for or what we desired. That we were not sold something that was not fit for purpose or did not serve. That customer service is REAL and not just talked about. That every effort is made to bring satisfaction to all.
I really believe that everyone would be happier, more dedicated, feel respected and derive other positive benefits.
I believe that the workplace will be transformed from people feeling the inconsistency of fear, frustration and unhappiness through not being treated with courtesy, kindness, friendliness, respect and feel that their voice is being heard.
Is this a pipe-dream? Is this impossible?
If we can all make a commitment, check and remind ourselves each day to practise those qualities then I really believe that our lives and workplace will be that reality that we have all imagined.
Written by Compton Harry