Embracing Kindness
We can all be too quick to judge others, and frequently, our judgements are based on a tiny snapshot of someone’s life when there can actually be much, much more that is going on. Whilst we encourage our teams to be open and talk to their peers for support where needed, this can often be not so easy to put into practice, especially in a work environment. And this is ok – it is up to the individual to share when they are ready to. A key aspect of mindfulness is being aware of others and keeping an open mind; this always starts with us, and to really challenge ourselves to not “react” in the moment, but to take a few minutes to digest the information that is available, consider the information that may remain hidden, and make a conscious choice to “respond” with a well-considered, fair and kind approach. So, What Can We Do To Help? Here are some great hints and tips to remain supportive and caring to those around you, even when you might not know (or be entitled to know) the full picture:
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Validate their emotions. Letting someone know that they are not alone and being open to what they want to share is an important step. Many people simply want to be understood and know that someone is concerned about them. Just show up. There’s no way to stop tears or stop their anguish, but just being present and letting them know that we are willing to be by their side can be more powerful than anything you say.
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Be a good listener. You may have opinions about their situation or how they are handling it but set your judgments aside and concentrate on listening and empathizing. Keep things confidential. The best way to live up to their trust is to keep any information confidential that they’ve shared with you. Keep the door open. Let them know that you’re thinking of them and would like to spend time with them if and when they’re available. Spend time with them. Engage in conversation with them during quiet periods or spend your lunch break together if possible. If they are willing, perhaps suggest doing some mindfulness activities together. Offer praise. Be encouraging and reassure them about what they are doing well. Offer practical help. Even minor tasks can sometimes be difficult for people who are experiencing distress. Offer to help them with their tasks if you have some spare time - even a small gesture of assistance can make a significant difference in their day.
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