We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joe Meyer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joe, thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
Kindness is a powerful force that builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates positive environments. It’s a choice to treat others with respect and empathy, regardless of differences or challenges. Kindness fosters connection and understanding, showing others they are valued and supported. Acts of kindness can inspire and uplift, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the moment. In a world often filled with stress and conflict, kindness offers hope and unity. It’s not just an action; it’s a mindset that transforms individuals, communities, and the world, reminding us that compassion and care are at the heart of humanity.
During my first week on my very first job, I found myself in a position of unexpected “power.” Sitting across the desk from me were people experiencing homelessness, looking me in the eye with hope that I could help them. As a young professional without much real-world experience, I suddenly felt the weight of responsibility—people’s lives, in some small way, were in my hands.
Part of my job was to connect those we served with essential resources, including clothing. One day, I gave a gentleman a voucher to pick out clean, used clothing. When he returned, he was beaming with the biggest smile. At first, I thought he might want to show me all the “new” items he had chosen. But that wasn’t what mattered most to him.
With gratitude in his voice, he said, “Mr. Joe, thank you for the clothes. But thank you even more for sending me to a place that was kind to me.”
He shared how the staff at the secondhand store had welcomed him warmly, walked him through the store, helped him pick out outfits, and even complimented how great he looked while trying them on. Their kindness and dignity made all the difference—it wasn’t just about the clothes but the way he was treated.
That moment taught me a profound lesson: sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is not the resource itself but the respect and humanity we show in the process.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Not everyone is created equal, as each person is born into a unique set of circumstances that shape their journey. Life offers a diverse tapestry of abilities, disabilities, opportunities, and challenges. Some inherit privilege and resources, while others face obstacles from the start. Experiences mold our perspectives, but they are not evenly distributed. Recognizing these differences is crucial to fostering empathy, understanding, and inclusion. Equality doesn’t mean sameness; it means creating opportunities that account for these disparities, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to succeed, grow, and contribute. Celebrating diversity enriches our communities and honors the strength in our differences.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with self-awareness. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and how your actions impact others. Lead with kindness and treat people how they want to be treated, respecting individual needs and preferences. Take time to understand different perspectives—each team member brings unique experiences and value. Define clear core values that align the team and create a shared sense of purpose. Listen more than you direct, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Focus on supporting your team by empowering growth and addressing challenges, rather than micromanaging. Give regular recognition and celebrate contributions, as acknowledgment builds trust and motivation. When leaders are self-aware, empathetic, and focused on building others up, teams achieve higher morale and sustainable success together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shelterhouse.org
- Instagram: @shelterhouseinc
- Facebook: @shelterhouseinc
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/joe-meyer-4960918
