Giving Reflection

by Dr. Tonya Caylor

Jun 08, 2025

This week, in the spirit of giving - I invite you to consider who you might gift a unique gift to.

The gift of extending positive intent is powerful.

I once coached a resident who felt a particular attending "had it out for him." He reviewed the evidence. I asked if there was any other way to see it. He finally after reflecting, came up with a few ways. 1. This is just the style of teaching the attending takes with everyone. 2. That he's tough on him because he sees hidden potential. 3. He's unaware that he comes across as demanding. It was as if a burden lightened in him. Fast forward a couple of weeks - he had stopped dreading working with him and losing sleep over everything that was said to him. The unnecessary suffering ceased. (Mind you - even if the attending was "out for him" - the resident's quality of life improved!)

So this unique gift - like many - benefits the giver even more than the recipient.

What person, group, or institution might you experiment with giving such a gift this holiday season? I'd love to hear what shifts for you.

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