I’ve been looking forward to this week’s G Factor for several weeks – GENEROSITY: show kindness and concern. Crises, like a  pandemic, often bring out the best in people.  I’ve read many articles, blogs, posts, etc. about kindness toward neighbors, coworkers, and family. One particular story grabbed my attention over a month ago and I knew I wanted to share it when I wrote on this specific G Factor.  It involves an elderly gentleman on crutches, a need for toilet paper, a panda bear charm, an employee Target. Please take a moment to read it – it is sure to warm your heart.  (Great story of kindness and concern here.)

It’s great that people “show up” during a crisis like in the story linked above. Really great. But let’s talk about when we are no longer in the midst of a pandemic. What will happen to your Generosity G Factor?

Let’s get you in front of the crowd with these strategies.

Strategy 1. GAG THE GOSSIP

Evaluate. Ask yourself these 5 questions:

  1. Do I know if what I am sharing is fact?
  2. Will sharing this needlessly hurt anyone?
  3. Does it need to be said?
  4. Would I want someone to share it about me?
  5. Will sharing it make me feel better about who I am?

Solution. Do NOT share information if:

  1. You cannot guarantee it is fact.
  2. It will needlessly hurt anyone.
  3. It does not need to be said.
  4. You wouldn’t want someone to share it about you.
  5. It will not make me feel better about who I am.

Strategy 2. ASK. JUST ASK.

Evaluate. We just need to ask. Whether it is a sensitive situation, an “off” day, a problem that needs solving, or an obstacle to overcome, others need to know we care. You are likely one of the following:

  • already great at showing kindness and concern
  • have room to improve
  • just don’t care (which probably means you don’t have any Generosity G Factor)

If you are person 1, you might be good to go.

If you are person 2, keep reading.

If you are person 3, definitely keep reading.

Solution. I get it. We don’t want to overstep and encroach on something another person doesn’t want to share … and we shouldn’t. Showing kindness sand concern doesn’t mean asking someone to reveal their most personal insecurities, worries, or troubles. So, if you have reasons you don’t ask, try some of these and ask anyway:

REASONS I DON’T ASK HOW TO ASK ANYWAY
I don’t know what to say.
  • Can I just say I care?
  • What would help?
  • Even though I’m not sure what to say,  can I tell you that you can ask me if you need something?
I don’t think it’s any of my business.
  • Do you need anything?
  • How can I help?
  • Can I share that I care even if it isn’t any of my business?
I don’t want to get sucked in.
  • Is it okay to just say hang in there?
  • Can I suggest someone to talk to?
  • I don’t feel like I’m the right person, so who can I help you find to talk with?
I don’t know them well enough.
  • Do you have someone who can help/listen?
  • How are you?
  • Are you comfortable if I ask you if you are okay?
It’s too personal.
  • Are you okay?
  • What do you need?

Now, go show kindness and concern! Let your Generosity G Factor grow!