Dr. Herbert O’Driscoll shares this compelling story about the power of love and vulnerability.
When I was a child, my grandmother died and was buried in the churchyard in Castlecomer, Ireland. The following year I went there on holiday.
One day we drove to visit relatives, I in the back seat with my grandfather. As we pass the graveled driveway leading up to the churchyard, my grandfather, thinking he was unobserved, pressed his face against the window of the car and with a small, hidden motion of his hand, waved.
It was then I came to my first understanding of the majesty and vulnerability of love.
Powerful, isn’t it?
What leapt out at me in O’Driscoll’s story was how the grandfather acted only when he thought no one was looking. I do that. Most people I know do it, too. I think I do it because I don’t want the world to know that I’m a big ole marshmallow inside.
The business world is harsh to those who care. Be the tough guy, was the advice an early male mentor gave me. Never let them see you sweat or think that you care. As the only woman sitting at the negotiating table across from Teamsters and Meat Cutters, that seemed like good advice. Looking back from the perspective of time, I don’t think that it was.
In a high-IQ job pool, soft skills like discipline, drive, and empathy mark those who emerge as outstanding. -Daniel Goleman
Let’s put sex and gender issues aside for now, OK?, and concentrate for now on empathy.
Research tells us (as do our hearts, especially when we have a boss who’s overly detached and makes us feel like the filing cabinet in the corner) that employees want to feel valued. When employees feel valued, they’re more productive.
Productive employees = good news for the employer and the bottom line. It’s a win-win all around.
Letting our employees and colleague know we care isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a neon light of strength.
Only those who are willing to let themselves to vulnerable are destined for greatness..
What about you—who on your team will you be strong enough to let know that you care?
Image credit before quote added: Pixabay
