“I met one of the kindest nurses (Coco) who asked how I was and how she could help. She checked on me several times that evening and always with a smile, you could tell she liked taking care of people.”
Surgery Patient in Michigan Emergency Department
Opportunity for Reflection
Individual or group reflection (5-6 minutes)
The nurse in our story above brought compassion to the bedside of this surgery patient. Nurse Coco made her patient feel cared for and her patient wanted to return the favor by sharing the story of her experience. Coco also embodies our Ascension Value of Integrity. Her behaviors are in alignment with our Ascension Values and this made all the difference for her patient.
In this reflection we invite you to explore the different ways your own display of compassion might be returned to you.
Step 1. Have you ever helped someone and had your compassion returned to you?
Have you ever helped someone and found that your kindness was returned to you? Use the two-and-a-half minute timer below for writing or silent reflection.
Groups may use timer for breakout discussion. Deep Listening guidelines are below to aid in group facilitation.
Step 2. Do you ever feel like your good deeds are unappreciated?
Sometimes we go above and beyond and then feel that our actions are not appreciated. Use the two-and-a-half minute timer below for writing or silent reflection.
As you reflect, allow reactions, emotional responses, and feelings as they arise and try not to be judgmental of yourself and others.
Groups may use timer for breakout discussion. Deep Listening guidelines are below to aid in group facilitation.
Step 3. Share your findings with a friend or colleague.
Sharing our experiences with others can help us build connections to one another. Storytelling is an intimate and crucial part of building community.
Groups may gather in a circle and take turns sharing with and listening to one another.
Opportunity for Connection
Consider inviting a team member to reflect
Asking these questions of your team members is a great way to build community and practice your deep listening skills. Click here for a refresher on the six skills of deep listening (L.I.S.T.E.N.).
1. Let Go: Make room so that you have the capacity to listen.
- Set aside any distractions necessary to be present with others.
- Take a deep breath and center yourself.
2. Insight: Welcome your natural insight and wisdom.
- Offer the question: Have you ever helped someone and had your compassion returned to you?
- Relinquish the need to problem solve, over share, or prove you are listening.
3. Silence: Cultivate silence so that others can self-reflect.
- Practice selective self-sharing – sharing just enough about yourself to help establish a trusting relationship.
4. Trust: Trust the insight and wisdom in others.
- Remind others they aren't alone and that you have their best interest in mind.
- If comfortable, offer up the second question: Do you ever feel like your good deeds are unappreciated?
5. Empowerment: Allow others to make their own connections.
- Consider responding with honest and open-ended follow up questions that invite others to make deeper connections.
- Perhaps ask, "why is that?" or "wow, do you mind saying more about that?"
6. Not Knowing: Make friends with uncertainty.
- Give yourself permission to be comfortable with not knowing, or not having all of the answers.