November 23rd, 2016
Catching up to a Jedi… #StayGenerous
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s Opportunities Development Coordinator, Kate Swift, shares how a professional relationship from the past is guiding her understanding of #StayGenerous
How a Jedi helped me understand #StayGenerous
We have all been there, trying to work something out – a difficult choice, a disagreement, or perhaps even mediating an issue between other people. It can be hard, and often our reaction or behaviour resorts to one of the most human levels: we make it about ourselves.
“How does this affect me, how does this conflict make me feel, its my way or the highway!”
When we are being rational, it is easy to see that this reaction is not always helpful, and of course considering someone else’s point of view might actually aid in decision making. But in the heat of the moment, things get messy.
A long time ago, I worked for a manager who I very much admired. He was dedicated and kind and very good at his job. I was young and although I recognized his commitment and his professionalism, I wasn’t ready to be like him, I was too selfish and too impatient. It was a fast paced environment and service oriented, and sometimes tempers could flare. One particular day, a customer was upset, I can’t even remember why, but he was beside himself. I tried, in vain, to remedy the situation and maintain my own composure. When suddenly I heard the words of my manager in my head, his voice echoed in my thoughts as though it was reason knocking at my door:
“This is not about you, his anger is not yours. Lose your ego and keep your dignity and an answer will present itself”
That was it! The key to unlock my next steps… Once I was ready to accept that not everything is about me, and my role was only to tackle a problem and not be right, everything seemed to fall into place. Once I could embrace that both parties needed to feel valued and heard, I realized this had nothing to do with ego. I could see things much more clearly.
We all have different stories, and sometimes it is hard to see things from a different point of view. With my wise manager’s advice close to my heart, I see that allowing someone the gift of dignity and respect, takes nothing away from me, but instead, affords me a chance to learn something new.
And now, with my work at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, I feel energized with his words staying with me, becoming a guide. Our mandate of Community, Dignity and Belonging is passionately threaded into all aspects of what our EAFWR team works hard to provide. I have by no means caught up to my own personal Jedi master, but I am trying.
I think this moment is timely, as GivingTuesdayWR approaches. A day when we recognize our community, it is not about us. But in fact, its about how we can help.
#StayGenerous and you can’t go wrong.
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GivingTuesday is a global day of giving. After the sale of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday is a time to celebrate and encourage activities that support charities and non-profits. Whether it’s making a donation, volunteering time, helping a neighbour or spreading the word, GivingTuesday is a movement for everyone who can give something back. To learn more about #StayGenerous on November 29th, check out GivingTuesday Waterloo Region.
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