Be Thankful with a Random Act of Kindness

Consider committing small random acts of kindness (RAOK).  While we’re all still struggling with workplace challenges thanks to the pandemic, now might be a good time to share RAOK with co-workers and others in your overall community.  While WHAT you do may not seem significant to you, it could have a lasting impact on HOW you make others feel.  And shouldn’t that be the goal?

Here are just a few random acts of kindness in the workplace that could make someone’s day.

1.  Be intentional about verbally thanking others for their effort on a work-related project.  Tell someone you appreciate their contributions.  Two simple words, “thank you”, can make someone feel that they are more than just a cog in the wheel.  If you really want to make them feel special, add their name to the end of the statement, “Thank you, Brendan”.  Hearing someone say your name can provide a sense of validation and recognition that is immeasurable.  You’re no longer just acknowledging the act, you’re acknowledging the person.

2.  Ask someone about their day, their plans, their family.  And here’s the really important part:  Listen to the response.  Let me say this again for clarity…listen to the response.  For one day, don’t ask rhetorical questions as you pass by colleagues in the hallway or stare at them on the other end of your computer monitor.  Better yet…after they respond, ask them a follow-up question that shows you listened and are actually interested!  People love talking about themselves.  Unfortunately, we often get so busy at work that we forget we’re working with human beings just like ourselves with lives outside the office.