“The longer I live and the more
experience I have of the world, the more I am convinced that, after
all, the one thing that is most worth living for—and dying for, if
need be—is the opportunity of making someone else happier and more
useful.” —Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery: An Autobiography
When we want to make others feel
important, we shift the focus from ourselves to them. This means
truly listening to their thoughts and feelings, acknowledging their
contributions, and offering genuine compliments. We can also show we
value them by remembering details about their lives and interests,
offering help when needed, and simply being present and engaged in
conversations. These acts of consideration show them they are seen,
heard, and appreciated for who they are.
People often look to elevate
themselves rather than others by focusing on their strengths and
merits. It is unfortunate to note. People have become so busy that
they don’t find time to care for others. The world has become
ruthless with cutthroat competition. It is a rat race where no one
cares about others. That is the current scenario globally.
God blessed us with life. If everyone
thinks of contributing something to others by whatever means most of
the problems will be resolved and people feel better, bigger and
greater. However, very few people have the time to think along those
lines as they don’t find to think through. They are used to routine
activities as the way most people don’t breathe even properly due
to high stress levels. Where will the world go? Who will save the
world and the people? It is time to think through and do something
for others to make a difference.
Make a habit of spending some time
daily to listen to people and empathize with them. It comforts them.
If possible, observe people around you, say a few good things, and
motivate them. Who knows? The man whom you motivate might be on the
brink of disaster.
The Power of Connection
When you want to make someone feel
important, it is essential to show genuine interest in their
thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Take the time to actively listen
to them and validate their perspectives. Use their name to
personalize your interactions and make them feel seen and valued.
Additionally, make an effort to remember important details about
their life and show sincere care and concern for their well-being.
By acknowledging and appreciating
their contributions, accomplishments, and unique qualities, you can
make them feel important and truly special. Remember, the key is to
be authentic and sincere in your interactions, as people can often
sense when someone is being insincere or trying to manipulate them.
1. Practice Active Listening
Effective communication is essential
in any relationship, and listening is a significant part of it. When
someone speaks to you, give them your full attention. Maintain
consistent eye contact and respond with non-verbal cues to show that
you’re genuinely present and engaged. Ask follow-up questions and
reflect back on what they have said. This way, you show that you’re
listening and that what they have to say is interesting and
meaningful to you.
2. Make Time for One-on-One
Interactions
Making time for one-on-one
interactions can be incredibly impactful. By dedicating
individualized attention to someone, you are showing that they are a
priority to you. This could involve scheduling a coffee date, going
for a walk together, or just having a private conversation where you
can focus solely on that person. During these one-on-one
interactions, make sure to actively listen, engage in meaningful
conversation, and show genuine interest in what they have to say.
This focused time together allows for deeper connections to be
formed, making the individual feel valued, respected, and important
in your eyes.
3. Show Appreciation and Gratitude
When someone contributes to your life
in some way, it’s essential to acknowledge their efforts. It’s
human nature to want to be recognized for our achievements, no matter
how small. Expressing sincere appreciation and gratitude reinforces
that the other person is important and that their efforts have not
gone unnoticed.
4. Be Respectful and Considerate
Respect and consideration go hand in
hand when it comes to making someone feel important. Respecting other
people’s boundaries and treating them kindly and compassionately
shows that you value them. Pay attention to their body language and
take note of any discomfort. Being considerate of others’ feelings
is essential to avoid causing unnecessary harm or stress.
5. Offer Support and Encouragement
We all go through difficult times in
our lives, and it’s in these moments that we need someone to lean
on. Offering emotional support and reassurance shows that you care
and that the other person is not alone. In addition, providing words
of encouragement and inspiration can be a significant motivator for
someone to keep striving towards their goals. This kind of support
works as a morale booster and helps them feel important and included.
6. Celebrate Their Successes
Acknowledging someone’s
accomplishments is vital to boosting their self-esteem and making
them feel important. When someone achieves something that they’ve
worked hard for, it’s essential to celebrate it with them—recognize
their effort publicly or privately. Celebrating their successes not
only makes them feel important but also creates a positive and
healthy environment that can be beneficial to everyone involved.
7. Random Acts of Kindness
Small acts of kindness can make a
significant impact on someone’s day. Random acts of kindness
demonstrate that you’re thinking of the other person and want them
to feel good. Simple gestures, such as a thoughtful note, an
unexpected gift, or a compliment, can make them feel noticed and
appreciated.
8. Inspire Confidence and Believe
in Them
When you believe in someone, it gives
them the confidence to try new things or achieve their goals.
Instilling confidence in others is essential because it shows that
you care about their potential. Encourage them to take risks, try new
experiences, and believe in themselves. This kind of support can be
life-changing for someone who might have been doubting themselves.
9. Practice Empathy
Empathy involves putting yourself in
someone else’s shoes. It requires you to set aside your own
perspective and understand the other person’s point of view.
Empathy is vital in creating a connection because it shows that you
care about the other person’s thoughts and feelings. When someone
feels like they are being heard and seen, they feel important.
10. Send Thoughtful Notes and Small
Gifts
Sending thoughtful notes and small
gifts can be a meaningful gesture. Taking the time to write a
heartfelt message or select a small token of appreciation shows that
you value and care about them. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or
expensive; it’s the thought and effort behind the gesture that
count. Whether it’s a handwritten note expressing gratitude or
encouragement or a small gift that reflects their interests or
preferences, it is a personal touch that can make someone feel
special and important. The act of giving something tangible can leave
a lasting impression and serve as a reminder of its worth in your
eyes.
11. Remember Important Dates and
Details
You’re absolutely right! Remembering
important notes and dates is a fantastic way to make someone feel
important. It shows that you pay attention and that their lives and
experiences matter to you. Here are some specific ways you can use
this to your advantage:
Birthdays and anniversaries: This is a
classic, but for good reason. Remembering someone’s birthday or a
special anniversary shows you care and makes them feel valued. A
thoughtful card or a small gift can go a long way.
Accomplishments and milestones: Did
your friend get a promotion? Did your partner achieve a personal
goal? Celebrate their achievements! Acknowledge their hard work and
be genuinely happy for them.
Interests and hobbies: Pay attention
to what the person is passionate about. Maybe your colleague
mentioned they love a particular band, and there’s a concert coming
up. Surprise them by getting tickets! These small gestures show you
listen and care about their interests.
Past conversations: Referencing
something they mentioned before shows you were truly listening. “Hey,
I remembered you were interested in trying that new Italian place;
how about we go this weekend?” This personal touch builds
connections and strengthens the relationship.
Remembering these details personalizes
your interactions and demonstrates that you value the person and the
relationship.
12. Ask for Their Opinion and Input
That’s a great approach! People feel
valued when their thoughts and ideas are considered important. Here
are a couple ways you can phrase this to make someone feel like their
opinion truly matters:
“What do you think about this?” –
This is a straightforward way to show you’re interested in their
perspective.
“I’m working on X, and I value
your expertise. Do you have any suggestions?” This personalizes it
and flatters their knowledge on the topic.
“Can you walk me through your
thought process on this?” This shows deep interest in not just
their answer but also how they came to it.
By asking for their opinion and input,
you not only make them feel valued but also gain valuable insights
you might not have considered on your own.
13. Show Appreciation for Their
Uniqueness
Here are some ways to show
appreciation for someone’s uniqueness:
Be specific: Instead of a generic
“you’re unique,” point out something you truly admire about
their individuality. “I love how you always wear such vibrant
colors; it reflects your personality so well,” or “The way you
combine your passion for music with your coding skills is something
I’ve never seen before; it’s truly unique!”
Actively listen: When they share their
interests or hobbies, even if they seem unusual, give them your full
attention. Ask questions and show genuine curiosity about what makes
them tick.
Celebrate their differences: Does your
friend have an eccentric laugh or a quirky fashion sense? Let them
know you appreciate it! “Your laugh is so infectious.
It always brightens my day,” or “You
always rock those bold patterns; it takes confidence to pull that
off, and you do it perfectly!”
Support their individuality. If
they’re pursuing an uncommon dream or interest, be their
cheerleader. Offer encouragement and help them find resources if
possible.
Embrace their quirks. Everyone has
them, and those quirks are often what make them special! Instead of
trying to change them, accept and appreciate their unique way of
being.
Gift experiences: Look for experiences
that cater to their specific interests, such as a class related to
their unique hobby or tickets to a performance by their favorite
niche artist.
By taking the time to show you
appreciate their individuality, you’ll strengthen your bond and
create a space where they feel comfortable being their true selves.
In conclusion, practicing these habits
is how to make someone feel important so that they can have a better
connection with you and the world around them. By giving them your
undivided attention when you listen, treating them with respect and
kindness, acknowledging their accomplishments, and offering your
support, you create a positive impact that can last a lifetime.
Remember, a little effort goes a long way, and these habits can
become your go-to default for building stronger, healthier
relationships.
Little Things You Can Do to Make
Someone Feel Important: An Inspirational Story
There was a young woman who was
walking in the street. A man who was passing by saw the woman,
stopped her shook her hand, and said, “Hi young woman! Where are
you going? You look so beautiful! Have a great day!”.The woman was
shocked at the stranger who shook her hand with warmth and greeted
her with a great smile saying that she was looking great.
She was coming back from the medical
store with a small bottle in her hand, wrapped in a cover. She was in
great depression as her boyfriend cheated on her and married another
woman. She felt let down and depressed. She lost all her confidence
and felt inferior because she was not looking, which probably led her
boyfriend to dump her and search for some other woman.
During the great depression, she went
to a medical store to buy poison to end her life. When she was going
back after buying a small bottle of poison, the stranger shook her
hand, praised her beauty, and wished her a great day. Then she went
to her home and looked in the mirror whether she was looking
beautiful. She looked at the mirror several times and began smiling
by thinking, “Yes, I am beautiful! What the stranger said was
right.
My deserted boyfriend is not lucky
enough to enjoy my beauty, and she gradually developed confidence.”
Finally, she threw away the bottle containing poison, and she went on
to build a great career with a good man and become an international
celebrity.
This story reveals the importance of
making others feel important thus saving them from the brink of
committing suicide. We don’t know how much difference we make by
praising and elevating others.
It is essential to appreciate and
elevate others. Learn to look at the similarities rather than the
differences. Learn to look at your strengths rather than your
weaknesses, because what goes around will come back to you.
Here are a few nuggets to make
others feel more important.
Listen to the other person with the
right body language. Step into the shoes and empathize. Nod in
agreement appropriately. If the other person is in distress don’t
disturb and allow him/her to ventilate problems. Then present your
solutions.
When a person achieves something
praise liberally. But be specific and objective to avoid sounding
like a flattery.
Identify the key strengths of people
and praise them whenever and wherever possible.
Adopt the mirroring technique, where
you need to convert your body language as per the other person, as
it helps in connecting with the other person, making him/her feel
comfortable, and creating a common ground.
Remember the fact that people have
different needs, egos, emotions, and feelings. You cannot adopt a
fixed approach or style to touch them. You need to identify each
person’s situation and issue to touch and strike an emotional
chord with them.
Above all, always handhold others.
Remember, it takes several years to
build relations but takes a few seconds to break it. Hence, present
a positive attitude and praise and make others feel more important
to touch and connect with them emotionally and successfully.
Final Thought
People might pose a question such as,
“At a time when people don’t find time for themselves, how can
they find time for their family, friends, and society?” Yes! It is
true. As we have responsibility towards our children, we have equal
responsibility towards future generations for passing on society’s
values and virtues. Hence, it is time for us to find time to think,
act, and make a difference for others to take this human civilization
to greater heights of glory, not in terms of material but in terms of
ideals and ideas.
Reference
https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Leadership-Innovative-Negotiation-Prosperity/dp/1628655909
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Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants,
India
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