The Currency of Caring

So, why did I stick a post about caring into the middle of a series on time? (See the previous post – Real Celebrity.) Because time is the currency of caring.

Small bits of time, scattered throughout your day – the phone call, a note, a hug, a shared joke. Don't they make you feel connected and cared about when someone offers this to you?

None of us wants to feel invisible or disposable. Taking just a moment to acknowledge the person across from you tells them they are seen and appreciated. That's a real gift in my book. 

And those bigger blocks of time could look like a bedtime story without hurry, lingering over a cup of tea with your partner or an impromptu BBQ in the backyard with friends. These are precious gifts. 

Think about the delicious moments that stand out in your own mind. I remember my dad flying kites with me in the backyard and helping me catch fireflies. Yes, I appreciate the food he put on our table and the home he paid for but it was the time he spent with me that was priceless.

During this economic slowdown isn't it nice to know that something has retained its true value?

 

Who’s In Charge?

When the phone rings, do you jump to answer or do you complete your conversation with the person standing in front of you?

When email arrives, do you answer immediately or do you respond at a time that supports your schedule?

 

We seem to have bought into the idea that technology trumps everything and everyone else in our day. Until you challenge that assumption, your schedule will always be at the mercy of others. And THAT leads to the feeling you never get anything done.

 

It's time to take back control. Start by naming your email, cell phone, instant messaging, etc for what they are – rude employees. 

 

If a staff member walked into your office demanding your attention "Right NOW!" regardless of what you were doing, I don't believe for a moment you'd drop everything. In fact, I suspect you might even be less than polite. At a minimum, you'd ask them to wait (unless there was blood or fire involved, of course). 

 

So why meekly roll over for technology? Who's in charge here? Respond to these technological bullies by showing them just who's boss. Choose to respond when it's convenient for you. Your schedule and your stress level will thank you.