Ellen and James “Jim” Labrie

Last week I went to the memorial service for a friend and fellow Rotarian, James “Jim” Labrie. Over Jim’s lifetime he became a very successful businessman and quiet, community philanthropist. Jim was one of those special people who had a way of making you feel like you were his close friend in the moment he was talking with you, even though you were not. He cared about you as a person.

During the memorial service his son, Mike, shared with us how a single act of kindness early in Jim’s life changed him forever. It was a story Jim shared with me the last time he and I sold Rotary Christmas trees together just two years ago and it is one I think you will find inspiring.

Jim was born with a cleft palate, which required several surgeries when he was very young. It modestly affected his speech and how he looked to others. As he grew up his family was very loving and supported him and he rarely thought any of this was a barrier.

After graduating from college with an accounting degree, however, he had a difficult time getting a good accounting position. At one point he asked a recruiter why he wasn’t getting a job offer and the person told him it was because of his speech and that his lip looked different and accounting firms didn’t want him face-to-face with customers. His advice was to either look for “backroom” bookkeeping jobs or go to a doctor and try to get everything “fixed.”

This comment really discouraged Jim.

Eventually Jim went to a dental professional he knew and respected for surgical advice. This gentleman told Jim he did not need surgery to get himself “fixed” because he was a good person inside and had a great business mind. He told him to keep being who he was and to keep looking – good things would happen. Jim said he left that dentist’s office that day feeling like a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders, he was inspired. And eventually many good things came his way.

Mike shared with us how that one day, that one message from his dentist, changed Jim’s life in another way – to never underestimate the power that one positive comment can have on another person’s life. So Jim committed himself to making positive comments to others every day for the rest of his life, and we all are the better for his kindness.

Three Acts of Kindness. In John Maxwell’s blog he shares with us three ways we can kindly inspire others. First, speak to their inner critic. We usually get down when we start to believe those negative thoughts in our mind. If you can help someone see this is happening to them and then help them explore their strengths, this can kindly inspire them. (Just like what the dentist did with Jim.)

Second, dish it out.  By this Maxwell means we should learn what is important to others by listening to them and exploring what their interests and concerns are. Then look for ways to quietly share your own generosity that fits their needs or interests.

And, third, act like you care.  This means to make sure our actions foster kindness. Based on research Maxwell writes, “The ability of a leader to be compassionate – ‘to understand people’s motivators, hopes, and difficulties and to create the right support mechanism to allow people to be as good as they can be’ – has the greatest correlation with profitability and productivity.”

As Jim Labrie taught us, we should never underestimate the power that one kind word can have on another person, look how Jim changed the world. If we all followed Jim’s lead, imagine what a world we would live in.