Here are attributes many of us value in friends, co-workers, bosses, employees, and suppliers:

• Honest
• Caring
• Punctual
• Curious
• Proactive
• Flexible
• Thoughtful
• Generous
• Fun
• Committed
• Respectful
• Organised
• Interested
• Creative
• Likable
• Positive
• Reaching out

You get the idea. These are things that turn someone from ordinary into a star. They are even attributes we now assign to our favorite brands, stars and role models treating them like trusted or respected friends.

Someone who is likable, honest, curious and thoughtful is easy to think of as gifted. This natural charisma and care is worth looking out in the people we choose to work with, to follow and emulate.

The thing is, it’s an excuse to call these things gifts. You might be born with a head-start in one area or another, you might be raised in a culture or with parents that reinforce some of these things, but these are attitudes, and attitudes can be taught, and they can be learned.

The question, then, is do you care enough to take them on? It’s not fair to say, “I’m not respectful” or “I’m not creative.” It is honest and clear to say, “I choose not to be honest,” or “I don’t want to do the work to be organised.”

“Be a hand that reaches out. Be a smile for those who have no reason to smile. Be a light for those who live in darkness. Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal.” – Rumi

We can own these attributes, they are certainly not gifts. What a privilege.

Reach out to someone who is hurting, be that shoulder to cry on.