The act of compassion begins with full attention, just as rapport does. You have to really see the person. If you see the person, then naturally, empathy arises. If you tune into the other person, you feel with them. If empathy arises and if that person is in dire need, then empathic concern can come. You want to help them, and then that begins a compassionate act. So I'd say that compassion begins with attention. - Daniel Goleman

It seems like some days the most difficult thing for us to give to others is our attention. We can give them quick answers, we can send them speedy emails and rapidly text them, but are we really paying attention to them? You know what it feels like, you stop by to share information with a team member and they don’t even look away from their computer. They don’t look up, they don’t make eye contact and the only answer you get from them is some monosyllabic grunt or an “I know” or “Ok, Ok.” You know that you will have to give them this information all over again later. It does not feel so great does it?

Now think of a time when someone really listened to you. They stopped working, they made eye contact with you and you knew that you had been heard. Now that is a terrific feeling.

If you do just one thing for your friends, families and co-workers today, try giving them your full attention at least once. You will all feel better.

Author's Bio: 

Margaret developed a passionate belief that it takes courage and skill to be human at work and that all individuals have a responsibility to treat each other with dignity, respect and compassion.

Motivated by her beliefs and the desire to make a difference in the lives of others, Margaret acted on her vision by founding Meloni Coaching Solutions, Inc. Her vision is to create a group of successful individuals who are at peace with their authentic selves; a group of people who help and support others; a group who bring humanity to the office and thrive because of it. Margaret sees a world where achieving peace and achieving success go hand-in-hand.

Margaret’s students and clients often find that what she really brings them is freedom to bring their authentic selves to the office. As a former Information Technology Executive, Margaret always knew her preference was for the people behind the technology. Now Margaret brings those beliefs to individuals from many professional backgrounds. The common thread across her client base is the desire to experience peace at work and the recognition that peace is not absence of conflict, peace is the ability to cope with conflict. For these people, Margaret Meloni is truly ‘A Path to Peace’. ™

You can learn more about Margaret and her courses, programs, and products at: www.MargaretMeloni.com

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