Having Someone On Your Side = Priceless!

I watched a brand new television show a couple of months ago—Undercover Boss—and was so impressed with its content, I felt compelled to include my thoughts on this blog.

Undercover Boss is a reality show that places the spotlight on corporate America and the working class. On its premiere episode, the chief operating officer of a waste management company went undercover for a week, working the jobs of his employees. For one week, he cleaned toilets, organized recycling materials, picked up trash at a landfill, and rode on the back of a garbage truck.

He listened to his employees with an open heart as they shared personal stories of triumph and tragedy. He listened with an open mind as they described the demanding and often unreasonable conditions of their employment. Then he took this newfound knowledge and used it to make significant changes in the company.

By the end of the show, the employees learned who he truly was and although they were grateful for the upcoming changes, they were even more grateful that someone in his position took the time to listen to them. They were moved that this man validated their feelings, cared about their individual needs and appreciated the hard work that they do.

I believe we all deserve to have someone in our lives who does the same for us. Someone who will take the time to listen to us, validate our feelings and appreciate us for who we are. Who is this person in your life? More importantly, are you this person for someone else?

In our fast-paced, stressed-out world, we often take people for granted. We come to expect certain tasks to be done and forget the person behind the task. Next time your partner makes dinner, take the time to thank them and appreciate the meal. Next time you receive the mail, take the time to thank the mail carrier and exchange pleasantries. Next time someone lets you cut in front of them, recognize their act of kindness.

I could go on and on, listing the people who go unnoticed yet make a difference in our lives, but you get the idea. I am sure by just reading this article, you’ve already begun mentally compiling your own list. The great thing about recognizing the good in others is that we benefit from it as well. A simple act of appreciation can lead us to appreciate our own lives even more.