The power of being gracious

The Power of Being Gracious

Being gracious is a lost art

In today’s edgy world of reality television, radio shock-jocks, larger-than-life athletes and attention-seeking YouTubers and TicTokers, it would appear that quaint concepts like ‘charm’ and ‘dignity’ have become irrelevant. They are certainly a lost art. But make no mistake.  Although excessiveness and outrageousness  will undoubtedly get you attention, there is nothing that beats graciousness as a way to create a strong personal image and positive, long-lasting relationships.

The root of graciousness lies in an outward focus – the willingness to put the needs and desires of others ahead of your own. Graciousness is about making other people comfortable. It’s like a mirror which reflects back to other people the things which they hold most dear. It begins with your attitude and the consistent practice of a few core principles. Here are five critical rules of graciousness:

Here are five critical rules of graciousness:

1. Listen intently to people. Engage them with your eyes. Listen much more than you talk.

2. Keep your opinions to yourself, but be eager to listen to those of others. You don’t have to agree with them, but you do have to always politely acknowledge them. When you are asked your opinion, be honest, but be sure to frame it in such a way that it doesn’t create discomfort.

3. Make a point to gently flatter people. Don’t gush; don’t go over the top – but make other people feel better about themselves. Make sure it’s genuine.

4. Be responsive. When someone tells a joke, laugh. If they are telling a sad story, be sad. If they are happy, be happy. Graciousness and stoicism are mutually exclusive.

5. Be at peace with yourself. Accept compliments humbly, and acknowledge your frailties with a smile.

Graciousness is hard to fully embrace sometimes. It can seem counter intuitive as a success strategy — particularly when others seem to have adopted an abrasive, in-your-face approach. But if you’re ever uncertain, remember the lesson from the school yard: The class clown may get the attention, but it’s the class act who gets ahead.

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search by Category

Internal Customer Service Training

Internal customer service training

IMPROVE:

  • Employee engagement, enjoyment and retention
  • Collaboration, team alignment, workflow and efficiency

REDUCE:

  • Communication errors
  • Workplace stress
  • Workplace conflict
  • Employee turnover

 

Learn more about Belding Training’s globally-acclaimed Internal Customer Service training

Winning at Work

Is Winning At Work Coming to your Mailbox?

Sign up today for free weekly (sort of…) tips, tools and advice on success, and dealing with customers, employees, coworkers, bosses and more!

No spam. Just good stuff.

Join the Winning at Work community of over 10,000 people from 60+ countries!