Today our world seems like it is upside down. Our news and social medical feeds reinforce this every day. Yet, I see a call for kindness, to treat others how we want to be treated and to help each other in times of trouble. This is a time for all of us to be kind!
I shared this message a few months ago, but it bears repeating today, so I am resharing it.
I was talking to my nephew over the weekend. He is a general manager at a restaurant in Philadelphia. He is responsible for hiring staff and overseeing the restaurant’s day-to-day operations as part of his role. We were talking about how hard it is to hire and retain staff. As we talked, I asked him what trait he looks for in a person that lets him know the person would be a good hire. His response was Kindness. He said that as he interviews a person, he looks for examples of Kindness as that is the one thing he can’t teach someone.
This holds for all roles but rings true, especially in healthcare. Kindness is a fundamental trait that each of us needs to possess to do our jobs well.
People come to us when they are most vulnerable. Having a caring person who is kind, empathetic, and takes the time to listen is a basic expectation that we all have when we move through the healthcare system.
Today all of us in healthcare are feeling the stress of living and working with COVID. I know most are stressed to the max. As you go through your day – keep this message in mind and – Be Kind to each other and the people who come to us for care.
Being kind is a responsibility we all have every day to all we encounter!
So Be Kind!
Being kind is SO important – I agree, Anne.
The Golden Rule should be at the core of every personal interaction, whether it’s a friend, neighbor, client, family member – anyone at all.
Thanks for the reminder.
Good morning Anne–a feeling of Deja Vu came over me as I read your post. My son Michael is the general manager of a restaurant and Jazz club in – Philadelphia. WOW ! Your words resonated with me as my son and I discussed the similarities and challenges of interacting with employees and the public on a daily basis. Across all facets of the workplace and in every profession honest and open displays of kindness help overcome stressful interactions. Unfortunately technology, in-home work and the effects of COVID have disproportionately distanced us from each other and kindness gets lost.
Perhaps one of the ways we can get kindness back is to return to the beginning–the hiring process!
Yes ma’am. So true. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted, for its ripples of goodness can extend infinitely, providing solace and support, and it’s especially important for those of use who are dedicated to the advocacy and well-being of patients. Because sometimes compassion and kindness is all we have to offer when times get tough.
kindness does not hurt. Its free and brings happiness to others
Wise words from a dear friend. Kindness can be as natural as our next breath, if we let it.
Thanks you, Anne, for this truly important message!
It costs nothing to be kind, yet it means everything to others! People often mistake kindness for weakness. Kindness is a reflection of one’s empathy, self-awareness and love for others. Most often, it is a value that defines who we are as well as how we behave toward one another. Kindness is a choice we make in every interaction with others.
Hi, Anne!
Thank you for the great reminder. Your nephew is right; you can’t teach someone to be kind, but it’s a completely necessary trait no matter what profession you are in.
One thing I would like to add is to be kind without expecting anything in return. Be kind, just because it will help someone else.