In almost every one of my presentations, workshops, and keynote addresses, I speak about the importance of being kind over being right. An attitude that ROCKs is focused on being kind to others first.

Last week, I was on the road again and had several opportunities to practice what I preach. One situation is especially worth sharing.

When I got off the plane, I realized I had forgotten something pretty important to my trip. I decided to take care of it immediately, even though I was feeling a bit jet-lagged. After about five minutes of shopping at this well-known, local retail establishment, I found what I was looking for and headed to the cashier to make my purchase. The item I wanted didn't have a price, and after several minutes, she told me she wouldn't be able to help me. I was tired and angry, and now I was posturing and had my game face on. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout. I wanted to tell her that the customer is always right.

But, I didn't. I took a deep breath instead and paused for a moment. I paused long enough to connect with my Spirit and chose to be kind, hoping that she would see my Spirit too. And then it happened. Right there in the middle of the store, her body changed and so did her energy. The muscles in her face softened and her voice dropped an octave or two. Somehow, someway our spirits connected.

Being kind is about seeing the other person soul-to-soul versus role-to-role. She was more than a minimum wage cashier there to serve me, and when my attitude changed and I treated her with kindness regardless of her behavior, the situation changed right in front of my eyes.

The Power of Kindness. It always works.

Here are my top 3 ways to employ the power of kindness:

1. Take a deep breath.

2. Choose your words wisely, using filters and the 15-second rule. (Pause long enough to let go of your emotional response - up to 15 seconds.)

3. Lastly, think about whether what you are going to say is truly necessary. If it's not, don?t say it.

3+. Practice often!