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“It’s not often that I receive an email that does not include a due date, complaint or request.”
This statement was embedded in a return email to me from an elementary school principal after I sent her a thank you! A sad statement but a truthful one I know. I realize by reason of the leadership position school principals get their fair share of due dates, complaints, and requests…but WOW, people…it makes my heart sad for this principal (and so many others). It’s time to start spreading a little JOY!
Spreading joy (most of the time) requires minimal time and effort. Believe me, it can even be done when you don’t feel like it! And the return on that minimal time and effort can be HUGE.
One day last month I was feeling a little discouraged. Okay, unusually discouraged. My thoughts were causing my attitude to be pretty dour en route to stinky! I picked up one of my favorite books, Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel Manby and was skim reading the places I had previously highlighted. My eyes fell upon:
“Don’t miss opportunities to bring sunshine into the life of another. A few encouraging words could make a huge difference in someone’s life.”
I purposed in my heart to bring those discouraging thoughts captive that had been rambling around in my head. I decided I needed to look for an opportunity to encourage. It didn’t take long. I was checking out at the local Wal-Mart and noticed a little boy and his mom behind me. Since schools in our area were getting out for summer, I asked if the young man was out of school yet. His Mom told me he was finished and that she had just finished her last day of the school year as a kindergarten teacher! I was able to thank her for her service to the children of our community, and for the many hours and effort she put in to teach. You should have seen her face light up. A few words exchanged, with a minimal amount of time and effort. Can you guess who probably got more out of that exchange? Yep, my discouragement was gone and I walked out of there with a lighter heart (and dour and stinky bit the dirt!).
My Momma used to say, “It’s the simple things in life.” A kind word, a telephone call, a listening ear, an encouraging email, text, or post. She was right. The opportunities are all around us.
Encourage a principal, teacher, co-worker, husband, wife, or child, etc. today.
Come on, even if you don’t feel like it!
Take a deep breath…and spread a little joy.
Lead joyfully,
Gail Boulton
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