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Everyone Has Something In Common
It’s important to figure out what that is.
Over the past week, a few instances at work have made me step back and consider things. Let me back up so you can understand what I’m talking about.
One of the other managers at work stopped me and asked, “How is it that you are one of the strictest managers here who is always pushing people to get their assignments completed, but you are also the most well-liked?”
It really made me think about why that is and I believe it boils down to two things; treating others with respect and finding things I have in common with each and every employee.
To me, it’s second nature. I like to know what makes people tick. What makes them frustrated and why? What makes them happy? Why do they believe what they believe? What makes them respond in a positive way?
It’s really not rocket science. It takes a little patience and a lot of listening. By doing that, I have found things I have in common with every single one of them. I can empathize with them and find topics that we can chat about while we work.
Just because I technically am ‘over’ them in the food chain at work, I don’t treat them as though they are below me. The store can’t run without them and I’ve been in their position. I treat them with respect…