Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Put People First.
During a dermatologist visit some years ago, the doctor was encouraging me to wear sunscreen and said, “what goes in when you’re young, will come out when you’re old.” We’ve all been told about the importance of sunscreen, but she put the advice in real terms that I could visualize. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have a future with wrinkly hands and sunspots.
Because her advice struck me so clearly, I’ve reflected on that from time to time, and believe her statement applies to almost everything, especially relationships. When you have a difficult customer, or coworker, I want to encourage you to seek to understand, rather than quickly writing them off as a deficient person. They have a story, and unless you’ve lived their story, you can’t judge how their past comes to the surface from time to time. It doesn’t mean you ignore professional standards or fail to hold a coworker accountable – that to me would only further diminish their dignity. Just be sure you first seek to understand, then act.
And, knowing what goes in must come out, be sure to understand that within yourself as well. Our ability to be a source of strength, compassion, and happiness for others requires us to practice patience, humility, and positivity on the front end. Your past doesn’t define you and shouldn’t keep you from developing as a person – it’s never too late to reduce the focus on yourself and increase your empathy towards others. What goes in, will come out.
Have a great day! John
These reflections are part of our internal Morning Messages, shared daily with the Focal Pointe team. They are meant to encourage thoughtful leadership, gratitude, and perspective as we begin the day. From time to time, we choose to share select messages here for a broader audience who values purpose-driven work, service to others, and growth from the inside out.