Photo by Luca Upper on Unsplash
Labor Day has always served as the unofficial bookend of summer for those of us in Central New York. After enjoying 2.5 months off, school is back in session during the first week of September, typically a day or two after the holiday. Every store in town boasts its back-to-school deals, and you can’t step foot in a grocery store without the distinct sight and smell of new school supplies overwhelming your senses.
However, with all the excitement of a new school year hovering in the air, the inevitable also comes…germs. Schools, with their dense populations of students interacting closely in classrooms, playgrounds, and common areas, are prime environments for contagions to spread.
This got me thinking. Contagions get a bad rap. Many positive things can also be contagious, spreading from one person to another and creating a ripple effect of beneficial impacts. While contagions are often thought of in terms of disease or negative influences, the rapid spread of behaviors, ideas, emotions, and innovation can have profoundly positive effects on companies and communities.
Below are some good examples of contagious behaviors and attitudes:
1. Kindness: Acts of kindness, whether big or small, often inspire others to “pay it forward.” When people witness kindness, they are more likely to engage in kind acts themselves.
2. Motivation and Enthusiasm: Being around motivated and enthusiastic individuals can inspire others to work harder and stay more focused. Their energy can lift the entire group’s performance.
3. Creativity and Innovation: Seeing others come up with creative ideas or approaches can spark inspiration and creativity in others. Collaboration often leads to more innovative thinking.
4. Environmental Awareness: When people see others recycling, conserving energy, or adopting sustainable practices, they are more likely to adopt eco-friendly behaviors themselves.
5. Learning and Curiosity: Foster a passion for continuous learning through workshops, online courses, or skill-building seminars. When employees see others actively growing and expanding their knowledge, it encourages a culture of curiosity and self-improvement.
Positive contagions can create ripple effects that benefit not only individuals but entire companies and communities. Surrounding yourself with people who exhibit these qualities or actively cultivating them in yourself can spread good vibes, encouraging a healthier, happier, and more supportive environment for everyone. How will you be contagious this week?
Written by: Emily Henion, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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