Help Someone Get an Acknowledgment Smile

Do we know how others view us?  Does it matter?  We often form our view of ourselves based in part on how we interpret what others think.  While other people’s views don’t change who we are, our perceptions of how we are viewed impact how we think about ourselves and how we behave.  In truth, we often don’t know what someone else is thinking.  That’s why sharing with others your appreciations of the qualities and characteristics you value in them is so important.  Here’s an example from my life:

I recently noticed a wonderful quality in a new friend of mine. When someone is interrupted during a conversation, Reed brings the conversation back to the original speaker.  It’s not uncommon to be interrupted in conversation, but it’s rare for someone else to make mention of it and ask to hear the rest of what you wanted to say.  Reed notices and respectfully waits for the interrupter to finish and then asks the first person if she or he has completed his or her thought.  To me, his actions demonstrate not only good listening, but respect, thoughtfulness, and consideration.

After witnessing Reed take action in this way a number of times, I let him know what I had observed. Of course, I could have simply made the observation and kept it to myself.  But, I wanted him to know that his kindness was seen and appreciated.

When I gave him this acknowledgment, I saw a quiet smile appear on his face  –  a smile that you see when a person feels genuinely appreciated.

It felt good to him to know that what he does naturally had a positive impact on another person.  He’s shared that he thinks about this validation when he’s in conversations and feels confirmed in his efforts to make sure that individuals who are in mid-thought when interrupted are heard completely.

It only takes a moment to let others know the positive characteristics that you observe about them. It feels good to the person receiving the acknowledgment.  It reinforces the behavior you like.  It’s respectful and honest communication. And it feels good to the person sharing the acknowledgement.

Who will hear your acknowledgements of positive behavior?  I’d love to hear what happens when you share what you observe.

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