Why helping others drives up your success — Part 2
This section will focus on three concepts: “The Ripple Effect”, Powerless Communication, and Acts of kindness, and I will illustrate how they contribute to your success. If you missed the previous article, read it first.
“The Ripple Effect”
The concept of “The Ripple Effect” can significantly impact professional relationships and success. This term refers to how acts of kindness can create a chain reaction of positive outcomes. This can be observed in various aspects of life, including the workplace. When people offer their time, resources, or expertise to assist others, they establish strong relationships and cultivate a culture of giving and support. This can lead to a more collaborative and productive work environment, where colleagues are more likely to collaborate to achieve their goals.
This one is funny because I had a personal experience with “The Ripple Effect” before even knowing the concept. In my workplace, we have a roadmap group that focuses on a specific technology every three months. Colleagues share their experiences with others through presentations and workshops. By doing so, they unintentionally created “The Ripple Effect” on me and their surrounding. Their willingness to give and share knowledge inspired me to do my workshop. When your organization has a culture of giving, and colleagues are willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help others, it inspires you to contribute, which is what “The Ripple Effect” is all about — creating a chain of reaction.
Powerless Communication
Takers tend to rely on powerful communication to assert dominance. However, when attempting to dominate skeptical audiences, resistance is more likely. The problem with dominance is that it is a zero-sum game. Givers, on the other hand, tend to use Powerless Communication. This style of communication emphasizes humility and vulnerability rather than power and control. When individuals communicate powerlessly, they are more likely to actively listen, ask questions, and demonstrate empathy and understanding. This communication style can help to build trust and establish strong, supportive relationships, both personally and professionally.
However, it’s important to note that adopting a Powerless Communication style requires effort and practice. It goes against many traditional norms of power and control, and there is a catch — this only works if the audience perceives the speaker as qualified and equal or above them.
In my personal experience, there are two main situations in which you can practice Powerless Communication. The first is “cross-talk” with your family, friends, and colleagues. Start listening to them. Genuinely listen. When they tell you a funny story or about a problem in their personal life. Show empathy and understanding. It will build a strong relationship between you and benefit both of you personally and professionally. The second is meeting. Instead of trying to dominate the discussion and have the last word, it is better to listen first and then talk. It is important to listen to everyone in the room, respect their opinions (even if you disagree), and ask thoughtful questions. People will start to see you as authoritative and ask for your opinion. People relate to a leader person, not a tyrant.
Acts of kindness
Minor acts of kindness can make a big difference, and we should all try to give in any way we can. Giving doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to be effective. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, offering a compliment, or helping someone with a small task. One of the most exciting aspects of this is the impact of giving on the Giver. Giving can be a source of happiness and fulfillment for the Giver, even if it is just a small act of kindness. When we give, we feel good about ourselves and our actions, which can help to improve our overall mood and well-being and can also be a source of personal growth and development. In addition, when we give, we are forced to step outside of our interests and focus on the needs of others. This can help us to become more empathetic and compassionate and to develop a more positive and generous outlook on life. Honestly, I do not have a specific event to tell you. I’ve started to become more aware of my surroundings and actively look for opportunities to help others, whether it’s at work, the gym, or on the street. The small thing you do daily makes a difference and makes you feel better. For me, it’s trying to be a better version of myself.
Here are Five actions that you can start for maximum impact:
- Reward people — In many organizations, Givers go unrecognized. Change that, reward people for giving in ways leaders and managers rarely see.
- Five-minute favor — ask people what they need and look for ways to help them at minimal personal cost.
- Practice Powerless Communication — requires a change in your habits from talking to listening, self-promoting to advice-seeking, and advocating to inquiring.
- Join a giving community — any community doesn’t matter which one. Find other Givers and help others.
- Seek help more often — by asking for help, you’re creating opportunities for other Givers to express their value and make them feel valued.
