Tip 705: Solving the World's Problems

From the Leadership Workshops: Solving the World’s Problems 

Horrible storms.

Horrible violence.

Horrible wars.

These are real. These are happening. Now. Today. Hoy. Aujourd’hui. Heute. 

So what do we do? We lead the way. We start where we are.

Greet people. You’re walking down the hall. Someone you don’t know (or someone you do know) is walking down the hall toward you. Make eye contact. Smile. Nod your head. Say “Hello!”

Engage with People. The woman behind you in the grocery line has “Ask me about my grandchildren” written across her t-shirt. Engage her: “You must have beautiful grandchildren,” and let the conversation go from there.

The fellow in the next lane stopped at the red light is on a motorcycle. You lower your window. “Nice bike,” you say (or shout). He smiles, nods, and says (or shouts), “Thank you.”

Remember Details about People. Your boss leaves work early to care for her sick child. The next morning, you ask, “How’s Emily?” Your boss says, “She’s fine now. She had a bad tummy ache, but thank you for asking.”

So what are you doing here?

You’re including people. You’re respecting people. You’re removing any possibility of distance, anger, or hate. You’re building a family. You’re building belonging.

We love this stuff.