The Flip Side of Conflict, Blame & Anger3 min read
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Have you noticed that there seems to be a lot of conflict, blame, and anger going around these days?
And those feelings, states of mind, and actions are all working against our productivity, contribution, and thriving as individuals and as communities.
This is something I’ve been thinking and writing a lot about these days. I also noticed that blaming and being angry about blame and anger don’t get me very far!
The question is, what do we want instead?
Well, I think most of us want more cooperation, appreciation, and harmony, right? Of course, we do.
Sounds simple and easy, but it’s not. Because we have become habituated to conflict, blame, and anger. To some degree it has becomes our default attitude and mindset.
So, I asked ChatGPT what the opposite expression of blame and anger in the world would be. And how would we get there?
And this is just one of the many solutions they came up with and which resonated strongly with me:
Express more Gratitude and Praise
Gratitude and praise are closely intertwined and play significant roles in fostering positive relationships and personal growth.
When we feel gratitude towards someone, it often arises from a recognition of their positive qualities, actions, or contributions.
Expressing praise, in turn, allows us to convey our appreciation and admiration for those qualities and actions.
Here are several sound reasons why gratitude and praise are extraordinarily important:
1. Recognition and validation: Praise acknowledges and validates the efforts and achievements of individuals.
It serves as a powerful form of recognition, confirming that their contributions are seen and valued.
This recognition can boost self-esteem and motivate individuals to continue their positive actions.
2. Encouragement and inspiration: Genuine praise can be a powerful source of encouragement.
When we express our admiration and appreciation, it uplifts and inspires others.
It reinforces their belief in their abilities, encourages them to push beyond their limits, and motivates them to continue making a positive impact.
3. Strengthening relationships: Praising others for their contributions helps build strong and healthy relationships.
It fosters a sense of mutual respect and appreciation, creating a positive atmosphere where individuals feel valued and supported.
This, in turn, encourages collaboration, trust, and cooperation.
4. Emotional well-being: Receiving praise triggers positive emotions in both the giver and the receiver.
It promotes feelings of happiness, fulfillment, and contentment.
For the giver, expressing genuine praise also generates a sense of satisfaction and joy, fostering a positive outlook on life.
5. Cultivating gratitude: Expressing praise reinforces our own sense of gratitude.
By acknowledging and appreciating the positive actions and qualities of others, we become more attuned to the goodness in the world.
This cultivates a mindset of gratitude, leading to a greater appreciation for the people and circumstances in our lives.
6. Encouraging growth and improvement: Praise, when given constructively, can also motivate individuals to strive for personal growth and improvement.
By recognizing their service and achievements, we provide a platform for them to reflect on their accomplishments and identify areas for further development.
7. The Ripple effect of positivity: Honest, encouraging praise has a ripple effect.
When we praise someone sincerely, it often inspires them to extend the same positive behavior towards others.
This creates a cycle of kindness, compassion, and support that can spread throughout families, communities, and even societies.
In summary, expressing honest, encouraging praise is extraordinarily important especially when we want to get to the other side of conflict, blame, and anger.
It recognizes the efforts of others, encourages personal growth, strengthens relationships, fosters gratitude, promotes emotional well-being, and creates a ripple effect of positivity.
By openly appreciating and acknowledging the contributions of others, as well as recognizing the positive aspects of challenging situations, we contribute to a more compassionate and supportive world.
And who doesn’t need a little more of that?
Tell me what you think. How have gratitude, appreciation and praise made a difference in your life and business?
Cheers, Robert
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