Most of us know that we live today in a VUCA world. V stands for volatile, which means that change is more constant than ever, can happen suddenly and be long lasting. These changes can be something you never imagined or even have thought of. U means uncertain. In today’s world environment certainty and continuity are question marks. C means complex with various interconnected scenarios coming into play and causing unprecedented situations and unpredictable outcomes. A stands for ambiguous which means that we live in a chaotic, unclear world today. While the VUCA world has surely changed the commercial world we operate in its has affected human beings and their behaviour. This, in addition to the long spells of lockdown and isolation. Humans the world over feel themselves in the danger zone due to the uncertainty in life as its human nature to thrive in a stable and steady environment. This uncertainty has increased stress levels, created anxiety, and made us insecure. We all work hard to create a good future for ourselves and a secured old age, but the current situation has led us to worry more, brood over things and get demotivated. Long-lasting has become a term of the past. Constant reinvention and reshaping to survive is the new mantra. In this environment as I have mentioned in my earlier columns, EQ has become the new heartbeat. Those with a higher EQ will resonate better with their customers, teams, friends, and families. In the current ‘anxious and stressed mindset’ – concern, care, understanding have the highest impact. It is the right time today to let go of only thinking about yourself and thinking about others and creating a ‘being nice’ mindset. So, how do you create a ‘being nice’ mindset?
What is a ‘being nice’ mindset?
We all know that mindset is a state of mind which reflects in our behaviour and actions. It shapes our attitude towards others and how we react to them. With your mindset, you send out signals to people and create a perception of who you are. That is how they decide who you are as a person. Mindset shapes your personality and thinking and eventually, what you do. A ‘being nice’ mindset’ accelerates appreciation and understanding of the other person, understanding their problems and point of view. You motivate others by your understanding of them and genuine appreciation of their efforts. You create a happy and warm environment for people. How much is all this needed today? Let me tell you this. The demand for happiness is so high today that ‘Happiness Consultants’ has emerged as a new profession, people take courses to increase their happiness quotient and while happiness thrives on many things, being nice is a particularly important part of it.
How to you develop a ‘being nice’ mindset?
The first step you take is to realise that you live in a world with other people. Whether personally or professionally, you need them, and they need you. Remember that famous song sung by Barbra Streisand “People who need people, are the luckiest people in this world”? Therefore, acknowledge them. When you see people you know, smile at them, nod at them, let them know that they exist, and they are there. This is the first most crucial step. The next step is to connect with them. Talk to them. Even sending your friends or colleagues a message works. Your conversation can be not just transactional. You could enquire about their health or share an update. Or just say hello! In your close circle of friends or colleagues appreciate their milestones and achievements. Remember, human beings not only like to be acknowledged and recognised but praised as well. Understand them. Every human being is different, and every human being is special. Understand and celebrate their achievements. More importantly if you see them tense or stressed especially the ones you know, reassure, and support them.
“Niceness is magic, but no one thinks of it that way since it’s quiet and constant.” Kimberly Karalius,
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