5/24/17 Putting on Our
Best Selves
Every day,
we don a set of clothes of our choosing. People close to us notice. Are our
clothes nice? Are they well put together? Do they match the season, and are they
appropriate for the social context? Our
outward appearance is a form of our non-verbal communication. What are we
projecting- communicating- with our outfit? What do our clothes say about us?
But... Is
our attitude a part of that outfit? Do we “put-on” a certain emotional outlook
in the same way we put on clothes? Are we that intentional about our attitude?
Should we be more so?
Certainly,
there are times when an uncontrolled reaction to a significant event are
equally warranted and appropriate (fire, attack, injustice). Most times,
though, the world turns more smoothly when we control our reactions and
maintain a positive attitude. Because, who benefits when we have a dramatic or
unprofessional reaction to an event- especially in the workplace?
This has been one
of my professional growth challenges- to remain professional even if a
situation is bad- maybe especially when it is so. Sometimes our coworkers and
students find themselves out of control emotionally. Our controlled and
solution-oriented response that starts with listening to and assessing a
situation may be the first step in reducing the impact of an exigent
circumstance. Even if we are feeling out of control, practicing “fake it ‘til
you make it” may be the most prudent response.
This is me
putting the clothes, face and attitude of my best self.
