Do you see what I see?

I wonder how your year was.

I wonder how you found that big project. I wonder what it was like to get all of those stakeholders on board. I wonder how it was for you to have three different managers across the course of the year. I wonder what it’s been like balancing work with your young family. I wonder what it felt like to come into our team just as we lost a big contract.

I wonder what you found most challenging? Most rewarding? Most frustrating?

I wonder.

How often do you wonder about other people’s experience of work? Or, even better, ask them? To understand what’s going on behind the scenes for others. To notice their invisible effort.

Noticing the invisible effort is such a powerful way to show appreciation, to demonstrate empathy and to build connection.

Sure, that presentation they pulled together at the last minute had to be done. Sure, it’s their job. But that doesn’t stop me from appreciating the fact that they had to rearrange their entire schedule at the eleventh hour, without so much as a sigh. Which meant they had to manage a whole army of stakeholders’ expectations. And that can’t have been easy. I notice. I see you.

As you pack up your pencil case for the last time this year, why not take a moment to acknowledge someone else’s invisible effort. Simply appreciate it, or ask them what it was like.

That simple moment of connection just might be the finest gift you can give them.

To all my readers – wishing you a safe and revitalising break, and may 2017 be a cracker!

See you next year.
Simon

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts – so please leave your comments below.