GE Appliances wellbeing leader is on a mission to improve mental health by being kind
When World Mental Health Day arrived on Oct. 10, GE Appliances’ Michele Clark, the company’s global wellbeing leader, was already on a personal kindness journey: her 10-compliments-a-day strategy.
This easy-to-implement pathway to joy has helped her boost her own mental health over the years, and she’s encouraging others to give it a try.
Q: Your 10 Compliments Strategy – can you tell us what, exactly, that is?
A: It’s a simple concept with a big impact. For me, it all started years ago after I heard a TED Talk – and I can’t even remember the name of it now – but it mentioned the idea of giving compliments to improve your mood. It made me think, ‘How can I use this idea to help me forget about other things going on in my life?’
And I came up with this: I can give 10 compliments in a day to help me change my attitude. If I’m having a bad day, or I just wake up feeling in a funk, I commit to doling out compliments to those around me.
Q: Are there any rules?
A: Just one, really: they must be genuine compliments. I never offer a compliment unless I’m being authentic.
Q: What are some of the most memorable reactions you’ve received to compliments you’ve handed out?
A: I really love the smiles I get back. There are a few moments that really stick out. Once, I complimented someone on their weight loss, and that person immediately gave me a huge hug. That person had been working hard to lose weight and said I was the first person who had noticed. Another time I commented on someone’s haircut, and she was thrilled because no one else had noticed, not even her husband.
Q: What does this strategy do for your own mental health?
A: Usually by the time I give out my third or fourth compliment of the day, I’ve forgotten about what was making me feel bad. Seeing their reaction goes a long way; I love seeing people smile. Making someone else feel good makes me feel good. It totally changes my demeanor.
Q: How does this strategy improve relationships in the workplace?
A: So often we walk by each other without really noticing each other. We’re not being authentic. I’ve found that I notice people more now as I look for things I can compliment about them. When we stop saying things automatically and focus on new things, we can form a new connection. Complimenting people brings a human element to what we do.
After the pandemic took us out of our offices, that personal connection can help drive us back to the workplace. Noticing little things about one another makes people feel appreciated and helps us appreciate one another.
Q: How would you encourage someone else to implement this strategy in their own life?
I encourage anyone to try this method. It doesn’t have to be complex. It doesn’t even have to be a traditional compliment to make a difference. You can start by saying or doing basic things to or for the people you interact with regularly. For example, tell a restroom attendant you appreciate what they’re doing or let someone go ahead of you in a checkout line. Sometimes I simply wave at people in the school drop-off line – which can be a pretty chaotic place. Small things can really go a long way.
Q: What does this strategy boil down to? Why does it matter in terms of kindness and mental health?
A: We never know what’s going on in someone’s life. In many ways, you may be helping someone immeasurably with something you thought was just a small gesture.
Invitation to Kindness
WellWithin challenges you to complete one act of kindness every day for 30 days. Use the attached calendar as a guide!