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The Ripple Effect In Action Your tone, energy, attitude, and way of being can become a catalyst for the tone, energy, attitude and way of being of those around you…and on down the line. The question is, "What is the ripple effect you are generating?" The concept that your actions and attitudes contribute to the overall ripple effect of your pond may fly in the face of the pop-culture saying, "I can't be responsible for other people's feelings." True…and not. Ultimately you cannot be responsible for someone else's feelings. However, you can certainly contribute to the effect on their feelings. It's a subtle point but one that can have a profound effect if taken in light of self-management. For example, in a work setting where layoffs have been experienced, job insecurity can easily become rampant and begin to noticeably undermine performance. Can a manager's ability to stay calm, and openly acknowledge the fear and insecurity with his/her group contribute to the effect on their feelings? You bet.
Self-management isn't just It's an increasingly valuable skill that keeps your stress levels low, creates a positive intention for what you want to see happen in your life, and allows you to be a beacon for personal integrity. Let's take a look at four key ideas to keep in mind - and how you can bring them forward into daily action - that create a positive ripple effect in your life: #1 Keep An Open Mind Judgment tends to shut down ideas and acceptance of others. "A-ha!" moments happen when new ideas meet an open mind. Allow yourself to "try on" one new idea each day. #2 Assume A Positive Intention Have you ever noticed that what you focus on expands? Tough situations can create suspicion and distrust caused by misunderstandings or misinformation. But they can also bring people closer together. By assuming a positive intention, for yourself and the people around you, you can create an atmosphere of pulling together, not pulling apart. |
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#3 Ask Questions The best solutions are revealed by asking questions. Questions create a feeling of empowerment, resourcefulness, and community. They also increase your ability to listen and understand different points of view. When you are tempted to give advice, pause and instead ask a question. The results will pleasantly surprise you.
#4 Acknowledge
What's Working - The truth is, no matter how often you think you acknowledge someone, it's probably not enough. What seems to stop more acknowledgements from coming forth, is the notion that the receiver will "get a big head" or thinking "well that's their job, why should I acknowledge them for it" or even "he/she already knows I appreciate them." The reality is, receiving acknowledgement still rates as one of our essential needs as human beings. The best form of acknowledgement recognizes the specific effort, idea, or action on behalf of someone. Just a word or two goes a long way! Why not try acknowledging two people each day?
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