Validating people

Via Business Insider, this little video is about what to give fathers on Fathers Day. The psychologist challenges viewers to not give gifts. Instead, give validation. For example, thank Dad for being there when you needed him.

Come to think of it, this could apply to what we can do for other people. We can validate our colleagues at work, our other family members at home, and our neighbors in the community.

What does it take besides saying something nice? It takes understanding of what the person does to have an impact in order to find the right words to say. For example, at work, we can say, "Thank you for stepping up and doing that particular task. There was no else to do it, and it got us through this particular part of the project." Notice how the thanks is tied to a specific act.

We can also validate people for what they've done over time. A friend told a story about an old Little League coach of his who was impressed when my friend's father thanked the coach for taking the time to spend with the boys on that team. The coach said most parents complained, but my friend's father was one of the few who recognized the value of what the coach was doing.

Happy Father's Day.