“We must become the change we want to see in the world.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
I
threw down a little challenge to my networking group this morning by
telling a story that I read in one of John Maxwell’s books. It’s
Valentine’s Day today, and I wanted them to share the love in our
circles of influence. I didn’t realize you can find this story online,
but here is my version:
A high school teacher wanted to honor and encourage her students. She
pinned blue ribbons on them that read “Who I Am Makes A Difference.” As
she presented these ribbons to her students, she told each one how they
had impacted her life in their own individual way. She then gave these
students an extra ribbon to pin on whomever they felt impacted their
lives in a positive way. AND they needed to report back to her what
their results were.
One teenager gave his two ribbons to a junior executive who had been
mentoring him in career planning and goal setting. The junior executive
was surprised and inspired and began to think to whom he would give a
ribbon.
No. Not his Grumpy Old Boss. Could he give a ribbon to his crotchety old
boss? The more the junior executive thought about it, the more he felt
GOB deserved it. After all, the boss was teaching him the ropes of the
business and was extremely patient…most of the time.
When the junior executive pinned the ribbon on GOB with appreciation for the business expertise that GOB shared and the patience he showed, his boss visibly softened. GOB was obviously surprised and moved.
Driving home, GOB was pondering the junior executive’s graciousness. There weren’t many people who gave him compliments these days. Could that be because he was stingy with his compliments toward others? As he drove into the driveway, he thought about James (not his real name, that I know of anyway,) his son.
GOB called to his son as soon as he got in the house. James was wondering what he did wrong this time. Instead, his dad said, “I know I’ve been busy and distracted and I don’t pay a lot of attention to you when I get home. And I yell at you for your messy room and when you don’t get the best grades. But…tonight…I want you to know that…well…next to your mother, you are the most important person on earth to me. You’re a great kid, James, and I love you.”
James fell into his dad’s arms, sobbing. You see, James had just finished composing a note to his mom and dad. He didn’t think they cared about him at all. After his parents went to sleep that very night, James was going to take his own life.
As James looked at that ribbon, and felt his dad’s affection and appreciation, he knew wasn’t going to need that letter anymore. He knew that who he was, made a difference, and he was loved.
I made 100 of those blue ribbons and told each person in the networking group to take two. One ribbon was for them, because they are difference makers, and the other was to give to someone else. They were tell the recipient why they made a difference and report back the next time we meet.
In your circle of family, friends, and/or co-workers, who needs to know that they make a difference in your life? Yes, I know, there’s a few on my list that need to know that, too. Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? You’re right, it’s been awhile since I told you that you make a difference in my life. Go and share your love in some way today!
Happy belated Valentine’s Day!
Typed with care,
Jan
Jan McDonald
The John Maxwell Team
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