"You also have 2 Eyes"
3 Ways to Find Similarities Not Differences
A few days ago, I presented to a leadership group in Charlotte. During one discussion, I asked the participants to reflect and reminisce about their favorite elementary school teacher and to share the reasons behind their choice.
About 99% of the audience raised their hands and were willing to tell everyone. Moments earlier, I asked a similar remembrance question about the winner of a popular talent show from 5 seasons ago, and no one could answer.
We may not remember trends or fleeing moments, but years later we will always remember "how" others made us "feel."
One brave attendee stepped forward to share a heartwarming tale about her beloved first-grade teacher Ms. Brett. Their assignment involved exploring similarities between themselves and their parents. As she was adopted, this was not an easy task.
She was shorter than everyone else in her family. She had dark hair when everyone else had light colored hair. She did not look like anyone else.
The empathetic teacher immediately made her feel accepted by saying "you have two eyes just like everyone else in your family." "You have one mouth like everyone else in your family." "You like giving hugs just like they like giving hugs."
This teacher's creativity to help this youngster find similarities made her feel accepted, welcomed, and loved.
(and why it matters)
True similarities extend far beyond external appearances. The bonds of love and connection, through shared experiences and heartfelt emotions, can transcend any superficial differences. There are professional and personal applications to this story.
Three ways as reminders to FIND SIMILARITIES and not DIFFERENCES:
1. Celebrate and embrace diversity. We may not look the same or act the same, but we can appreciate and love one another for our uniqueness.
2. Practice empathy and understanding. It may seem easier to make a child feel accepted, but this story reminds us that we all can do the same for each other regardless of age.
3. Encourage emotional connections and love. If we continue to look to our phones for relationships, we will be disappointed. If we don't look UP for human interaction, we will miss opportunities to generate more "Human-Kindness".
(for more inspiration- click on image)
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TEDx Speaker| Created 5C Model of Communication | Coach & Trainer | Author of “Navigating Special Education” and "Conversations Lead to Consensus" | Achieving Lasting Success Starts with the Way You Communicate|
1yTwo opposing thoughts: ***Our DNA is 99.9 % the same as everyone elses, making our differences insignificant compared to what we all have in common, like two eyes, the ability to love, smile, and be a part of our greater community. ***However, we should try celebrate differences, as that is what opens us up to new ideas and new possibilities.
Speak Truth to Power
1yYou remember teachers forever. Some for good reasons. Mostly good. I couldn't say who won American Idol since it moved to ABC. If you don't watch- I cannot say if anyone on The Bachelor has a successful marriage. Not my problem.
Consulting
1yThis touched home on many levels. A powerful message! Thanks Bart!