THE true mark of greatness is nothing other than Love. This word is too deep to be fully grasped or given justice to. However, since love is something we all long for and live for, though in different ways and measures, much can be said on the topic. In this article, we will explore a few attributes of love as it pertains to professional and interpersonal interactions ' goodwill towards others.The Highest StandardWhen something as great as love is the standard by which you measure all things pertaining to your thoughts, actions, policies and progress, you cannot go wrong. The most befitting explanation for love in this article I think is 'a strong positive emotion of regard and affection' (Word-web). The exception is that sometimes, love is a decision we make that isn't necessarily coupled with an accommodating emotion. This is the foundation of sound etiquette and ethics and when it is used as the basis of professional or personal conduct, it is very rewarding. The basis of your attitude towards others; your neighbour, your client, your family or acquaintances, should not lie on the drive to gain wealth, fame or respect but in love. Wealth, fame and respect are all good attributes in themselves; however, they become debased when they are the end of anything. When love is the basis and end of all things, all other good benefits fall into place naturally.Practical Attributes of LovePatience ' Reach out to people individuallyHave you ever been to a store and had the sales personnel literally bombard you with pressure to spend a huge amount of money regardless of whether it truly answers your need' Like most people, you do not like being pressured and when you do give in to it, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. It takes a great company or person to give all the information that a person might need to make the right decision for themselves and then offer assistance ' without pressure, to help them reach that decision. The act of patience not only wins lifelong clients but also creates opportunity for referrals. This also helps businesses to understand their clients better in other to give them exactly what they want. In interpersonal situations, patience is a necessary prerequisite to the art of listening. Everybody knows when they are truly listened to, it cannot be hidden. When you listen to someone they have your undivided attention, one can tell whether you are open or just waiting for the right moment to not jump to a conclusion. If you want to know the true value of patience, try to recall the last time you really wanted to be listened to and the last time you were actually listened to; the former left you frustrated and the later appreciated. Make an effort to make people leave your presence feeling really valued.Kindness ' Going the extra mileKindness is not usually what anyone expects although we wish to be treated that way. Kindness touches the heart of the recipient but the giver is always more blessed. It usually requires going the extra mile when you do not necessarily need to. This is one reason why it isn't such a common act. Everyone seems to be plagued by one thing or the other and the furthest thing we are inclined to do is to leave our own issues to apply ourselves to another's. The other reason is that the benefits aren't always seen at once. Kindness is an attribute we should incorporate not just in our corporate lives but also in our personal lives since God is the one who repairs such acts.Humility ' All Clients Are Created Equal.No, some are not more equal than others! The term all clients are created equal means that you must extend the same value and courtesy you would to the clients you seemingly benefit immensely from to those who are further down the ladder.Truly, you never know who you might meet up the ladder, but most importantly, we have a God that requires that we treat all without partiality. This might be a bit difficult to gauge in corporate terms but simply put, give each one true value' in fairness and goodwill.For further study read 1 Corinthians 13 and think of practical ways you can apply love in both your corporate and personal life.Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08038240870. Pamela also covers Workshops and Keynote speeches on Corporate Image and Etiquette and manages Perfect Healthlife Wellness Center08167089656 (SMS only).E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com
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