One of my clients has core value that I really like:
“Be a lifter, not a leaner”
We all know a few leaners. They’re the people who drain our energy. We try to avoid getting trapped in a conversation with them. When they walk into a room, and eyes roll.
They (often accidentally) diminish others. We avoid these people. When we’re at the mall and we see them, we duck into the Hallmark Card store hoping they didn’t catch our eye.
Which are you? Hint: Leaners usually don’t know they’re leaners. They don’t think enough about other people to have considered the question.
Leaners |
Lifters |
| Always see the negatives | Put a positive spin on any situation |
| Are great at problem analysis | They are solution focused |
| Love to talk | Listen, even when they’d rather not |
| Vent their emotions | Share emotions that will help the team |
| Add to our stress | Lift stress from us |
| Think first about themselves | Are committed to regular encouragement |
| Make others feel discouraged | Make people feel smart |
| Are tolerated | Are loved |
Do you find it hard to find someone to eat lunch with? Do you look around and notice that people clear the room after you walk in? Time to connect the dots?
How are you…
- Building bridges with others?
- Adding extra value to your organization?
- Using your words to build others?
- Showing appreciation for people around you?