Everyone thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.
Leo Tolstoy
It's so simple to see the need for changes in other people!
When an issue is unresolved, or things just aren't working out right, it's very easy to look at the other person and find the error in their ways. We are usually quick to focus on how much better our relationship with that person would become if only that person would make the necessary changes.
An annoying co-worker, a tyrannical supervisor or even a family member can sometimes be the one person who just seems to be that one who gets on your very last nerve! A conversation with them can be painful... like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard!
My challenge to you is to think very carefully about some of the exasperating conversations you've had with that individual, then spend a few minutes thinking of something you could have said differently. It may be that you could have simply used different body language, or possibly diffused a bad conversation with a bit of pleasantry.
I learned something from a business leader in the direct sales field that has helped improve the nature of many dialogues I've had over the years. It's quite simple. All you have to remember is the acronym F.O.R.D.
It stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation and Dreams!
It only takes a few minutes to engage someone in speaking about their family, their occupation and their recreational hobbies. In that few minutes you've let them know you are interested an what's going on in their personal and professional life. Knowing that you've shown an interest can soften the hardest heart and it usually causes them to smile!
(I haven't forgotten "Dreams". It's just takes a little more time and focus to get someone to share about their dreams -- realized or unrealized. Consider that the "next step" in your plan to make a change for the better to see if your new attitude can improve the situation!)
Blessings!
Sharon
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