Today’s post is strategy #4 in our series on tools to build more compassion at work. The tip is to offer to help.
Offer to help others
Offer to help someone who seems overloaded. This tool is effective not just with staff, but also with your colleagues. Now you can lend a hand by actually taking on some of the work. That’s the obvious approach, and it’s a great way to build compassion at work.
But it’s not the only way you can be of assistance. You can also be helpful by sharing your expertise. Share a tip or trick that will not only help make the task easier, but also teach the person something that they can continue to use in the future.
For example, let’s say you are really experienced at using Excel. Why not show the colleague who is overwhelmed with the budget spreadsheets a few quick formula and formatting tips that will help them be more effective and efficient? Not only have you helped in the present, but you are also helping for the future.
Or what if one of your staff members is dealing with an angry client. Why not coach them through the process and possible conversations of addressing the issues that are making the client angry? Not only are you helping now, but you are also showing your employee that you care enough to give them skills for the future.
In my experience, offering to help your staff or your co-workers is one of the easiest ways to show compassion at work. But I’d love to know what you’ve seen and done in your workplace. Let’s learn from one another, please share your perspectives by adding a comment below.
You can access the first three strategies in this video series by visiting the Creating a compassionate workplace video series section at our website