Kick It Up a Notch!

I have always maintained that 50% of whatever you say is HOW you say it. And I live by that belief. Sarcasm, unkind truths said in jest, and negativity promote more of the same. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, 'Is there anything good that would happen as a result of saying......'? If not, keep it to yourself. I have occasionally said on one or two occasions,

"Now, that's a comment that I may have thought in my head, but I would have decided to keep it there. Some things are left better unsaid!" You know, sometimes it is a matter of habit, and people are not consciously aware of how their words affect someone's state of mind, and then it gets carried on even further...like a domino effect.
Where am I going with this? It is a fact that I have complimented a person, often a stranger, because ...why not? Last week at the RSVP [Retired AND Senior Volunteers] Luncheon at The Holiday Inn, there was a gentleman playing a keyboard as background music as the 300 people found a seat and awaited the opening remarks. Many attendees were relatively oblivious, and didn't really 'hear' it because their focus was on the 'celebratory occasion' in progress. When the luncheon was over, my exit path led me right by the [75+] year musician who was packing up his music. So I stepped up to him and said,

"I really enjoyed your music."

A big smile lit up his face as he said, "Thank you very much."

I am not sharing this because I want any praise for being complimentary. I share it in an effort to light a few candles for people to say aloud what you may be thinking if it will bring on good will to someone.

Last week as I was pushing my [loaded] cart out of the grocery store, there was a 'Helping Hands" employee pushing carts back into the lobby. He looked at me and said,

"Would you like some help with that?"

"Sure. Thanks, that would be great!"

We chatted as I popped the hatchback on the van, and he said his day was just beginning and he was working two jobs. He lifted all of the bags into my car with a smile and a "Have a nice day!'

When at home and the groceries put away, I called the store to pay my compliment [forward] to management. A very friendly voice told me, "

"That's what is supposed to be happening and we appreciate hearing when it is happening. Thank you for calling and I'll be sure to make a note of it as there is an employee reward plan."

It took one minute to recognize and acknowledge a positive act of kindness regardless of the fact that it was an expected part of someone's job. I thought to myself...why don't I make that phonecall or 'on the spot' compliment to management more often? I know that they get many complaints, and the manager was pleasantly surprised to hear something good.

So, I pass it along in an effort to 'plant the seed' and germinate more examples,

"Say something positive." Let's 'reverse ' the customer service interaction from 'complaints to compliments.'

I would love to hear your comments of how you joined the wave. How were you able to pass it along? I welcome your ideas.