Despite what I’d like to imagine, I am getting older. With that sobering reality comes the fact that I see more and more of what makes a positive difference when dealing with other people.
Throughout my experiences, particularly when I am on the receiving end, I’ve noticed it all comes down to the little things. The details in your interaction with the people around you and the way you treat the folks around you have an impact far beyond the moment.
For example, I’ve been doing a lot of work on my house for the past few years. When I try to get a contractor to handle part of the renovation for me, I notice distinct traits that cause me to lean toward one or another. Little things such as returning phone calls quickly or showing up for the estimate on time (or at all) are indicators of the professionalism and care they will take when performing the job.
Listening is a huge part of treating people right. When people are talking to you, the little things such as looking them in the eye, stopping what you are doing and not interrupting will mark you as a caring, reliable and trustworthy individual.
The people who do not look up from their work or tend to answer the phone in the middle of a conversation are saying they feel too busy or self-important to deal with you. This is a very unkind, non-verbal cut that says more than you know.
If you honestly are too busy to work with someone, take the time to listen briefly, look at them straight on and set up a concrete time in the near future for them to talk to you.
Other little things that make big differences include asking “How are you?” (and meaning it) and saying “Thank you,” “You’re welcome,” “Nice to see you” and “Glad you could make it.” These phrases are small touches that personalize your interactions.
Non-verbal little things could include holding the door, helping pick up stuff that someone dropped, shaking hands or a smile. And what might the measure of your action be? If you were on the receiving end of the action you are about to take, how would it make you feel?
Just about all of this is obvious. The old axiom “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” comes to mind. However, many of us tend to let deadlines and rushing around usurp what we learned in kindergarten. This is an area that most people can stand to improve upon.
Take a look at yourself and examine where you may be able to make the little changes. These things cost you nothing, yet have great currency in how they make other people feel. In return, you will see your stature in others’ eyes grow.
With all the negative news in the media, all the rush-and-hurry of life, we could all stand to slow down and do a small, decent “little thing” to change our lives and positively impact others.
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Despite what I’d like to imagine, I am getting older. With that sobering reality comes the fact that I see more and more of what makes a positive difference when dealing with other people.
Throughout my experiences, particularly when I am on the receiving end, I’ve noticed it all comes down to the little things. The details in your interaction with the people around you and the way you treat the folks around you have an impact far beyond the moment.
For example, I’ve been doing a lot of work on my house for the past few years. When I try to get a contractor to handle part of the renovation for me, I notice distinct traits that cause me to lean toward one or another. Little things such as returning phone calls quickly or showing up for the estimate on time (or at all) are indicators of the professionalism and care they will take when performing the job.
Listening is a huge part of treating people right. When people are talking to you, the little things such as looking them in the eye, stopping what you are doing and not interrupting will mark you as a caring, reliable and trustworthy individual.
The people who do not look up from their work or tend to answer the phone in the middle of a conversation are saying they feel too busy or self-important to deal with you. This is a very unkind, non-verbal cut that says more than you know.
If you honestly are too busy to work with someone, take the time to listen briefly, look at them straight on and set up a concrete time in the near future for them to talk to you.
Other little things that make big differences include asking “How are you?” (and meaning it) and saying “Thank you,” “You’re welcome,” “Nice to see you” and “Glad you could make it.” These phrases are small touches that personalize your interactions.
Non-verbal little things could include holding the door, helping pick up stuff that someone dropped, shaking hands or a smile. And what might the measure of your action be? If you were on the receiving end of the action you are about to take, how would it make you feel?
Just about all of this is obvious. The old axiom “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” comes to mind. However, many of us tend to let deadlines and rushing around usurp what we learned in kindergarten. This is an area that most people can stand to improve upon.
Take a look at yourself and examine where you may be able to make the little changes. These things cost you nothing, yet have great currency in how they make other people feel. In return, you will see your stature in others’ eyes grow.
With all the negative news in the media, all the rush-and-hurry of life, we could all stand to slow down and do a small, decent “little thing” to change our lives and positively impact others.