Daily Leadership Thought #169 – How We Treat Others
It feels like, as a society, we have become too self-obsessed and forgotten how to treat others.
I am regularly surprised by the lack of manners in our daily business interactions these days. Simple gestures such as saying “please” and “thank you,” promptly returning phone calls and emails, and keeping your word or promises have become obsolete. I’m not sure why this is, although there are certainly many theories ranging from declining cultural values to increasing workload stress. However, I am aware that this phenomenon is creating significant problems in the workplace, and, as with everything, it starts at the top.
The simple fact is that people respond better when they feel respected and appreciated. It doesn’t matter whether it is a client, business partner, or direct staff report. Of course, a disrespectful experience leads to a similarly negative response (sometimes passive or, even worse, aggressive). Unless you are the one business that has figured out a way to be successful despite your staff and/or customers, not because of them, then you are simply creating unnecessary obstacles on your own path to success.
Do yourself a favor—model the positive manners and behavior you want to see in others and yourself. Make people feel positive about their interactions with you. Act like you genuinely care about the other person, even if the message at times needs to be a difficult one. Treat them as you would like to be treated. I have no doubt that the end result of this behavior will be positive for you personally and professionally. Change always starts with one person at a time, and someone needs to take the initiative. Why not begin with the leader (you)? The good news is that positive behaviors can be infectious, and you will quickly notice the difference in how people respond to you and your company.
Related articles
- Treat Others As You Want To Be Treated (bharouk.wordpress.com)
- How to be a Happier You (jennifernfindley.wordpress.com)
- Pay for Respect with due respect! (angelduridiaries.wordpress.com)
