“We are defeating ourselves when we stop letting people know how much we care”

Employees, customers, and those we love in our personal lives can’t read our minds. It is a scary thought to consider having no one around. Some of us have been through it, or may be going through it now, and of course many of us started that way. One key proactive thing we can do is consistently let people know how important they are in our lives. When we fail to do so people tend to leave, and if/when it gets to that point it is very unfortunate because we do care, yet have failed to show it. Of course a pre-requisite is that we do care and that others do as well. We do not get far in a balanced life without being caring individuals.

How do we let others know we care? We must have a genuine interest in what is going on with them, ask questions, continuously learn more about them, and do whatever we can to help whenever help is needed. It is easy to neglect employees when there seems to be multiple issues the organization is facing, but don’t let it happen – when you need a break, go talk to someone or call them and see how they are doing. Take the time to learn of their interests outside of work, and potentially make a connection that is not just professional in nature. Likewise, it is easy to neglect existing customers if new business is the focus. Don’t let it happen because it is downright sinful (yet so many organizations make this mistake). Instead do more to network customers together, to communicate with them, to understand how they use our products/services, and to let them know what successes other customers are having, as well as issues they may be facing. Be a trusted advisor. Now, it is a different story when it comes to those in our personal lives. For example, I have been found “guilty” of asking my wife every day “What happened today”? So here is what she hears… All business - “What did you sell today? What did you figure out in Quick Books? etc.” I am sure plenty of you are smiling right now and saying “Man, he has a ton of learning to do”, and you are right. For those that do not know the history, Kristen started her own business (Vocelles – The Bridal Shoppe) in January of this year here in Tallahassee, and I could not be more proud of her and the accomplishments she has had this early. She is smart, motivated, and everyone she interacts with loves her. What I need to do is stop asking her that question since she hears it as just what happened in the business. If something good or bad happened, she is surely going to talk to me about it.

In addition we must to do all the little and proactive things that let others know we care. Let an employee know how proud we are of them for how they performed on a project, or for their leadership. Recognize multiple customers throughout the year by giving them awards for their achievements as well as recognition among their peers. Send your loved one some flowers today, or make them their favorite meal tonight, just because you want them to know you care and not because you have been messing up like me.

In summary, we must consistently put forth effort to let others know how much we care. We never want them to feel anonymous in our world.