I. Magic At The Door
Liz Wessel, quoted Dietrich Bonhoeffer this weekend: "Jesus is standing at the door. He lives in the form of a human being among us."
The second sentence is more important than the first. Whether you believe in Jesus, there is magic key nearby now. It is not in a lock box held by someone looking like Jesus.
The most important thing I have learned in fifty years of leadership? You have this magic key & can use it to unlock power in others.
I have used this key so consistently that it amazes me that everyone does not use it. It also surprised me when I forget it.
Healers are magicians that do not use tricks. They awaken Love's natural energy in others.
Effective appreciation requires a potion: truth mixed with sincerity.
Find something good about another. It may be as simple as complimenting their smile. It may be more complex like recognizing potential someone did not believe they had until you named it.
II. The Impatient Patient vs. The Harried Caregiver
For decades I have trained leaders to care for caregivers. What if I am the patient?
If I become an impatient patient (as I have done) my chance of better care drops. Here are examples of what works:
My nurse is slow answering a call light & I say, "You must be so busy & tired. Thank you for coming & I'm sorry you have to clean up the sheets I stained."
While they are cleaning up I say, "Seeing you at the door was like seeing an angel."
You must feel this to say it. Absent sincerity the key will not work.
What if they say, "If I am that good they should pay me better." I say, "You are worth a million dollars."
Is there a time to turn tough-minded? If I conclude my caregiver is more devil than angel I enlist diplomatic allies to speak privately with a supervisor.
The key in your hand is colored with kindness & made of steel. If you think the caregiver is a danger, write a fact-based note to the Chief Executive Officer.
Follow up & ask others to join you.
The Mother Test™ I use requires zero tolerance for caregivers acting incompetent or cruel & affirmation for Radical Loving Care®.
Meanwhile, God is at the door. Invite Love in.
-Erie Chapman
Magic Key image from "A Morning Think" blog post.
