Amy's Reflections

Be Understanding

I often share real life stories of my family because I think it is important for people to know that everyone’s life is messy and chaotic. Some of you know that Rick, my husband, has been working insane hours trying to cover the police department here in Belmond. They literally have two officers, and they are working every day, twelve-hour shifts. Thankfully a few of the sheriff’s deputies are willing to pick up a shift here and there to help out. So, today is his first day off in thirty-six days. This has been extremely stressful for our family and has required that we all adapt and give each other some extra grace. I have many conversations with the kids about putting themselves in their dad’s shoes. How exhausting that would be and how frustrating. This is a gift - the gift of knowledge. The ability to put yourself in another’s shoes is one of the greatest gifts you have at your disposal. This allows you increased understanding of the circumstances or the situation. 

We discuss this in leadership a lot when we have a disruptive patient or a frustrated employee or provider. If we take the time to put ourselves in their shoes and see the situation from that view, it often explains a lot. I share this story because this is our current reality. Like many of you, this is a season in our lives, and this won’t last forever, but we have to be more purposeful in how we approach the situation with greater understanding. This week, my challenge to you is in a frustrating situation try taking the time to view it from someone else’s shoes. It may help you be more understanding.