Acts of Kindness…Pass it on!

by Terry Plain
1.10.11

Last month I waged war with a nasty cold/flu.  I was laid up amid an arsenal of Theraflu, tissues, cough drops and hot teas.  What made those few days even more miserable was the sudden weather change  that brought snow and sheets of ice to St. Louis.  All I could do that weekend was watch helplessly as the snow camouflaged my sidewalk, street and car with an icy wintery coat.  That Sunday afternoon, I headed outside, dreading the idea of having to shovel a pathway to my front door and clean off the car. To my utter surprise, the path to my door and portion of sidewalk was already shoveled!  I called a few neighbors until I finally found the right one who bestowed this unexpected act of kindness.  I was grateful for my neighbor’s will of goodness- who expected nothing in return. 

 

This week, it seemed like America as a whole participated in a similar random act of goodwill toward a homeless man from Ohio with “a golden voice”.  What started as a simple YouTube video post changed the life of a man and his ability to create a new beginning for himself and his family.  It is befitting to continue this stream of consciousness and talk about how kindness or simple acts of charity, courtesy, altruism or favor can transform individuals and an environment.  

Acts of kindness are not foreign to any of us, even if we are choosy in who receives our kindness and from whom we are willing to receive kindness.  What does happen beneath the surface are benefits both, physical and mental, that can contribute to good health.  Allan Luks, a former non-profit executive conducted a comprehensive study in the 1991 and documented it in his book “The Healing Power of Doing Good” (allanluks.com).  He interviewed over 3,000 volunteers at more than 20 organizations nationwide.  He found that volunteers who help others note reductions in stress, decreased feelings of hostility and isolation.  Helping others enhances feelings of joyfulness, self-worth and the ability to establish positive bonding with other individuals.  Other studies, directed toward kindness in the workplace have shown improved morale, reduced turnover, increased recruitment and reduced absenteeism. 

There are oodles of studies and articles out there so no need to bog down the blog listing them. What is clear is there are no pre-qualifications or certifications needed to extend kindness.  A smile and pleasant greeting is free and can go a long way.  This translates to action when we treat each other with mutual care and respect, take responsibility for our teams and one another as MFH staff.  Here are some nuggets of advice to chew on to catch the kindness wagon:

v       Before you speak or act, ask yourself three questions:

• Is it true?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it kind?

v       Learn to know a co-worker individually and not base a relationship on what was said by another person.

v       Don’t be afraid to say you are sorry when you know in your heart you should say you are sorry or have made a mistake.

I found a few simple concrete actions on the web that we can all commit to as a random act of kindness:

• Compliment the work or attitude of someone you work with
• Extend a friendly invite to an introvert or shy colleague
• Commit to NOT supporting gossip in the workplace
• Share in the “not so” pleasant task at work (Fridge duty anyone?)
• Walk a colleague to their car/train a night for safety purposes
• Tell your boss how much you appreciate how he/she supports you
• Actively listen to a colleague when they are seeking your input. Practice non-judgment.

FEBRUARY 7-11 2011 is RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK!!!

What other random acts of kindness, can we as MFH staff exhibit that will help transform our workplace?  PRIDE is listening and wants to spread the word!!

http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/the-power-of-kindness-208671.html

www.randomactsofkindness.org

http://www.kindacts.net/ideas_resources/kindact_ideas.shtml