A Reflection and Affirmation For the Week Ahead: Teamwork

I validate my co-workers’ feelings.

Work-life can be very challenging. Some days, the pace is so fast that I hardly have time to eat lunch or take a five-minute break to chat. Yet there is one thing I can do that always makes the day a little better: I validate the feelings of my co-workers.

Interacting with my colleagues helps me to learn how to deal successfully with people. I make it a point to listen to others whenever an opportunity arises. After all, everyone has their own thoughts and ideas about how a particular job ought to be done.

With the number of people at work and virtual, misunderstandings are common. I understand how co-workers might disagree with others or feel annoyed, frustrated, and even ignored.

When I validate the feelings of my co-workers, they know that I am paying attention. I am listening to what they have to say. As a result, my colleagues are better able to let go of negative feelings and move on with their tasks.

I believe that everyone is equally worthy. Regardless of the relative merit of their ideas, everyone deserves to have someone listen and try to understand their positions. So I make an effort to hear and comprehend my co-workers.

Today, I know that my colleagues feel validated in the feelings they share with me. Even if I don’t agree with what they say, I make an effort to understand their point of view.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What does it mean to validate others’ feelings?

2. Do I validate my co-workers’ feelings? If so, how do I do this?

3. Why is it important to validate the shared thoughts of my work colleagues?