How To Fill Your Bucket
Several years ago I was on an executive leadership coaching session. During the call this leader asked me how he could fill others bucket (the act of appreciating, recognizing and rewarding employees) when his felt so empty? This is a great question.
It is not uncommon for a leaders bucket to be empty from time to time. Dealing with others problems all day can be draining. These days that is especially true when most of us are being asked to do more with less.
Many people are uptight, tired and simply burnt out. It is the leader who often gets the brunt of it whether it be complaining employees, upset customers or falling profits.
So, how do you think I responded? I mean this guy had a point, right? It is pretty hard to give something when you don’t have anything to give.
I taught him something I learned many years ago that has kept my bucket full, for the most part, all of my working life. It’s an amazing truth! And if
practiced will keep your buckets full as well. Here it is:
When you feel down, sad, in a bad mood and your bucket is empty – find someone else’s bucket and fill it.
Okay, I admit it’s pretty simple, but it works! It is incredible what happens when we are focused on helping others.
There is a positive correlation between serving someone and love. The more we serve (fill buckets), the more we love (and that feels good, filling our own
bucket). And the more we love, the more we want to serve.
So the next time you are running on empty and need your own bucket filled – find someone else’s bucket and fill it.
Tell someone who works with you how what they do makes your job easier. Bring breakfast to your team. Write someone a handwritten thank you letter or card. Genuinely and sincerely recognize someone in a team meeting. Attend a special event of one of your employees. Offer to help on a project. The key is to find out how others like their buckets filled and then turn on the spout.
How do you fill others buckets? Do you find yours filled when you do? Please comment below, we love hearing from our readers!
Stay inspiring friends!
Other related posts to help you in your leadership:
Feeling Valued and Employee Recognition – Important Tip and Tool
Three Tips for Helping Employees Feel Valued
Top Ten Ways to Help Your Employees Feel Valued
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