That must be the most empowering statement anyone can make to you, or demonstrate; I see you.
Even at the workplace, for one’s boss to recognize one’s hard work and vocalise it – even without necessarily any monetary gain – is powerful and adrenaline-shifting. The most vivid example that comes to mind is my house help, who is proudly National Unity Platform (NUP), the kind that made no secret which boxes she was ticking at the polling station in January 2021.
She has never had kind words for President Museveni, but last year on her way to the market, all traffic was stopped for the president’s convoy to drive through areas of Makerere Kavule, on his way to Entebbe.
My house help was one of the people security barred from walking until the convoy had passed, and as she stood by the roadside, the president’s car drove past and he reportedly leaned forward in his seat and waved directly at her where she stood alone on the pavement.
I have never seen the woman so excited. She came back home gushing: “The president waved at me. Me! That man is surely not as bad as they make him sound!”
And I have not heard her say another bad word about Museveni, since. He saw her!
Someone just needs you to see him/her and everything will be alright again in their world. It could be your children, your spouse, your employees, or even your employer; do you really see them?
It is not enough that you provide. It is not enough that you are easily seen because of your position of privilege. Question is, are you affirming anyone in the process, making them feel important and … seen?
Try it. The results are amazing. Compliment them generously. Reward good deeds and don’t dwell much on the mistakes. Let your children know you believe in them, as opposed to demanding constant perfection that even you never had at their ages!
Positive results are easier got through affirmation, as opposed to being with people that are constantly craving your attention in vain.
malita@observer.ug
Source: The Observer
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