Micro-Inequities

A Comerica Bank computer based training course, that is an option for achieving various levels in our Diversity Awareness program, effectively addresses micro-inequities.  These are small gestures, actions, comments and lack of acknowledgement that can disengage team members.  It's not always the big affronts that cause the biggest damage. Eye rolls, arriving late, leaving early, crediting a friend/insider (rather than the first to propose) with a great idea, exclusive pre-meetings and post-meetings, side conversations, checking electronic devices and failure to listen are a few ways that valuable inputs are thwarted and valued colleagues   may choose to seek other employers who value their perspectives.

Every day we have multiple opportunities, big and small, to gain insight from those whom we encounter.  It doesn't take a lot to make someone feel special, nor does it take much to make someone feel insignificant.  Special wins every time!

Human Diamonds

Many of the most resilient people I know are human diamonds, all the more empathetic and special because of their trials and tribulations.

Human diamonds are strong, beautiful, brilliant, multi-faceted, treasured and revealed through volcanic action.

Everyone Can Make Someone's Day Special

This busy week provided the opportunity to enjoy many diverse events including two evening gatherings at the same downtown corporate headquarters.  As I arrived for the second celebration this week, I recognized the smiling valet with appreciation for taking care of me a couple of days earlier.  Much to my surprise and delight, he chose to keep my car upfront so that I'd have no wait as I left.  This simple human connection made two people's days special.  This hard-working man afforded me unexpected special service and earned him a bonus.

We all have the opportunity through simple acts of acknowledgement and kindness to make someone's day special.

Extraordinary Isn't Always Obvious

One of our neighbors has a pear tree that is extraordinary for the several days that it is in full bloom.  The rest of the year it just looks like a nondescript tree.  Because we've lived in the neighborhood for so long, I know what to expect from this tree.  People are like this too.  We sometimes overlook their extraordinary characteristics because we only focus on what we usually see, rather than what they are capable of delivering.

Paying Attention

One of the curses of perpetual busyness is a failure to really notice the things that are always present.  I have several pictures of my precious children at various ages in my home office.  I glance at them each time I sit at the computer.  Because they are both hundreds of miles away, I've spent more time really focusing on these precious images.  I've loved every age and stage of their lives and their bright smiles captured in these special photos warm my heart.

This experience reminded me that it's not enough to fill the spaces where we spend a lot of time with things that bring us joy.  We have to pause long enough to absorb the joy. 

Make Other Feel Special

There are myriad ways to make others feel special and I've highlighted thirteen.  It's a win-win, because we also benefit from positive interactions with others. 

• Recognize and acknowledge positive things about them. 
• Actively listen to what they are communicating.
• Smile.
• Remember significant milestones and special occasions.
• Tell others about their expertise and successes.
• Recommend them.
• Engage in meaningful conversation.
• Be fully present when in their presence.
• Share tips, tools and resources.
• Provide constructive feedback.
• Send an unexpected greeting.
• Make helpful introductions.
• Give sincere compliments.

Special Sparkle

We all know the saying that "all that sparkles is not gold".  But there are so many special human things that sparkle, beyond gold: personalities, smiles, accomplishments, expectations, special events and memories.  And nature's full of sparkle: icicles, dew, raindrops, stalactites, quartz, sunsets on water and fish scales.

We often find what we seek, and when we look for special sparkle, we find that it's everywhere.

My Favorite Special T-Shirt

My friend Anna is an adult Special Olympics competitor in many different events. She and her mother are weekly volunteers at the Special Olympics office. Anna created the winning design for a t-shirt that was produced for summer campers.  I was so moved that Anna chose me as the recipient of one of her t-shirts.  Each time I see or wear this special shirt I am vividly reminded that we all have unique talents and that many treasured gifts are those that we make and share with others.