What is your opinion of Daniel O’Donnell? Like his music? Find him an appealing songster?
Take a minute to come up with a few adjectives to describe him.
What came to mind? I speculate that the adjectives were not entirely positive. Perhaps you used words such as ‘boring’, ‘banal’…perhaps you said he’s only liked by the ‘blue rinse brigade’ and sings ‘old stuff’. Yet, is this completely fair to him as a person? To be judged on only a few elements of his persona? Personally I’m not a fan of his music and find his photo shoots amusing for the simple fact that he has only the one pose but… he makes a special effort for his fans. He insures that there are rows at the front of his concerts reserved for the disabled, he takes time out of his schedule to meet many of his fans….and has even (upon request) signed a birthday card for my aunt who has Downs Syndrome. This is all above and beyond the call of duty. I cannot deny that Daniel O’Donnell has many excellent qualities.
Why am I droning on about Daniel O’Donnell you might ask? The reason, because he made me think about the way I judge others and question the values on which I rate him. How many of us presume to know someone based on one small element of their personality? If someone behaves in an inappropriate manner towards us or others do we jusdge the person on that behaviour? How would you feel about someone making persumptions about you without understanding the context?
When we are providing feedback to others it is important to concentrate on the behaviour not the person. It is possible to like the person but not the behaviour. I’m sure you can think of many examples of this.
How interesting it is to look at people through fresh eyes. To see someone in a different light. Take a moment now and think of someone, your colleague, your boss…your partner. Write down 3 adjectives to describe them. Now think about their physical characteristics, their hobbies, their interests, their dreams, ambitions…the way they relate to others. Write down 3 more adjectives. Refreshing isn’t it? I wonder how many of us stop seeing the attributes of another because we have already made up our minds about what we think of them as a person.
I might not appreciate Daniel O’Donnell music but I can’t wait to see my aunts face when she opens that card…it’ll make her year…and that it definitely worth appreciating!