Sent-I-Mental

If you are a strong leader, a “no nonsense” person, or a man, being labeled as sentimental can be burden. It sounds soft and weak to some. The subject of sentimentality does not get a lot of airplay in the corporate world. Oddly though, most healthy people don’t have a problem being sentimental when it comes to the ideas, things and people that they love most.

I’d like to examine sentiment for a moment before we dismiss it as a non-business subject. Notice that I have let off the “al” to make it easier for those of you who are feeling a little uncomfortable right now. Discussing a noun may feel safer than dancing around with an adjective.  Don’t be a coward, keep reading.

The online dictionary I use defines sentiment as a “refined feeling – a delicate sensibility especially expressed in a work of art.” There are other definitions but this is the one I like best.

The sentiment I'm taking about is not raw, off-the-cuff emotion. It is more refined than that. It is intentional; the product of consideration, even if just for an instant. This is the “mental” part of sentimental.

Sentiment can be strong. At the same time, it is a delicate sensibility. It needs to be handled with care, not because it is fragile, but because it is precious.

Sentiment is something we express to others. It is something uniquely personal that we openly share. It is genuine and heartfelt.

Sentiment is a gift that we give to others with no expectation of reciprocation. It can be expressed through art though it is more often conveyed through our words and actions. Sometimes it is a sincere and warming smile, or a big bear hug.

Because it is considerate, precious, personal and free, sentiment has the power to move people. It can help repair damaged relationships because genuineness brings people together and builds trust. It can reassure the shaken and broken because caring bolsters confidence and heals hearts. It can further strengthen great relationships because things from the heart reinforce the bonds of love, friendship and camaraderie.

I woke up this morning with three particular sentiments on my mind. I can best express them as Thank You, I’m Sorry, and I Love You.  I have several people to whom I need to express one or more of these sentiments. By the end of the day, they will all know who they are. Some are family members, others are friends, and a few are business colleagues and associates. (In a couple of cases, the categories overlap.) Expressing these sentiments is Job 1 for me today and I plan to keep it as an ongoing priority. You can call me sentimental if you like. I'll take it as a sign that I am beginning to move myself and others in the right direction.