Bringing out the best in people.
Is a practice in attention.
The kind of attention that makes you a better leader or friend.
Not analysis,
Nor strategy,
Just a clear,
Steady focus on one person at a time.
Letting people know they are seen in this way changes what they are capable of.
On a piece of paper.
Write the name of the person.
In whom you wish to bring out the best.
Find a place where you can be undisturbed.
Settle into your seat.
As your shoulders drop.
Taking a breath.
And let it out slowly.
Open the part of yourself that connects,
That feels people deeply.
That recognizes who they are.
When you're ready.
Ask yourself.
What is this person's unique gift?
Write your sense of the qualities that are distinctly theirs,
The way they think,
The impact they have.
How has their gift shown itself this week?
Perhaps an interaction.
A creation.
Or how they handled a setback.
In something small you almost didn't notice.
Now ask.
What can I say or do to appreciate their gift this week?
To let them know they are seen.
Write it down.
Is there anything else you might do to inspire this person,
Support them?
Or bring out more of who they are.
Write that down.
Commit to speak this appreciation to them today,
Tomorrow,
Before the week is out.
Put it somewhere you'll see it.
Your calendar or your task list.
Take a breath.
Picture this person at their best.
Fully in their gift,
Growing,
Radiant.
Effective.
Stay with the feeling of that.
Growing,
Radiant,
Effective.
Letting people know they are seen in this way changes what they are capable of.
