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October/November/December 2007
The Importance of Kindness

"Be kinder than is necessary, for everyone
you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

As I travel across this country, meeting all of you wonderful people at your conferences, conventions and places of business, I am convinced as never before of the validity in the above sentiment. In health care you come face to face with the battles people are facing, not only their physical battles, but the toll their illnesses take on them emotionally as well. But are you aware of the battles your co-workers, supervisors, team-mates and managers are facing? Behind every work personna is a human being dealing with the struggles and issues inherent in life.

I am delighted when I am addressing a conference or working at a place of business, and I have to stay over that night, to catch a plane in the morning. The extra time gives me the opportunity to visit with my audience on a more personal level. What I have learned over and over is that we all face some kind of battle. For some of us it is in our relationships; for some it is financial; for others it is addictions we are trying to overcome; yet others are having a health challenge or a crisis of faith. We put on our "work face" when we go to work, as bringing our personal issues to work is not appropriate and most often not appreciated. If we are lucky, we do have one co-worker we can share our stories with. Some of us have terrific supervisors or managers we can talk to. But for the everyday struggles, we keep them to ourselves. I am humbled by the stories I have heard this year, and have been blown away by the courage and fortitude many have had to hang in there and see a situation through. I have learned as much, if not more, from my audiences as they have learned from me. For that I am blessed.

In this holiday season, let us remember that we have more in common with others than what separates us. When we interact with others, let us remember that behind the person we see is another person, one who may need our kindness and compassion. Let us always remember that our words have the power to hurt and the power to heal...may we use them wisely, not only at this time of the year, but in all our actions with others.

I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt "thank you" to all of you for reading my Newsletters, responding to them, and sending them on to others. My hope is that you have found them of interest and of value to you. Please accept my thanks, too, for those of you who have invited me into your places of work and your conferences to share my message with your staff and the members of your association. It is my intention to continue to do the research and work that is necessary to empower you to be the visionary, not only of your work team, but of your own life. All my best wishes to you for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.

NOTE:  I have been booking a number of speaking engagements for Nurses Week 2008, and I may be coming to a town near you.  Let me come to your facility, organization or association and present a powerful, hands-on program for all your nursing professionals. I will customize my program to reflect the opportunities and challenges YOUR nursing professionals are dealing with in their work environments today.

About the Author

Barbara Mintzer is a nationally-recognized speaker and consultant with over 35 years in business and health care. Her how-to programs provide participants with immediately applicable skills and strategies for getting buy-in and commitment from staff in today's competitive and constantly changing workplace. Barbara presents keynote talks and breakout sessions for international, national, regional and state conferences. She also conducts management retreats and in-house seminars. She facilitates panel discussions and roundtables...a good investment for your meeting/training budget. To explore the possibility of having Barbara speak at your next event, or work with your staff/leadership team, please contact her office.

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