Respectful and Respected

Being respectful of others can lead to being respected by others.  Everyone deserves to be treated respectfully for who they are. Treating others well is a sign of respect - being respectful.   However being respected is only earned when we consistently do and say the things we say we will with an interest in outcomes that benefit others, not only ourselves.  We can earn respect for character, actions and accomplishments.  But we can show respect to all we meet.  Thankfully, respectful behavior is often reciprocated.

You Will Be Missed!

People sometimes think that no one will notice if they don't attend a corporate event even though they've indicated that they will be there.  The reality is that corporate events are planned and executed by real individuals who are trying to accurately assure that everyone who attends is warmly welcomed and well accommodated.  Budget, name tags, food, beverages, handouts, room size and speaker expectations of audience size are a few of the variables the event planner is trying to manage   The event planner is expecting you to be there when you accept the invitation.  And he/she is expecting to know if your plans change.

This week, I witnessed something I've  not seen before in my long career - the worst case scenario of everyone thinking that no one would notice if they didn't attend.  Acceptances for an all colleague event were received from 131 employees.  Actual attendance was 29.

Thankfully we did not have venue or hospitality expenses for this workday event.  However, we had the embarrassment of billing a large audience to our talented internal speakers, while delivering a small, but engaged group.

When queried, the post event explanations from the no-shows largely favored client serving opportunities and included a few things beyond the colleague's control.  Others clearly didn't realize that their response mattered.

Regardless of the nobleness of the  reason for the change of plans, courtesy requires timely communication.

Do Unto Others

Most of us grew up hearing that we should treat others the way we would want to be treated.  That's a great starting point.  The more we know about the other party, the more we should try to treat them as they want to be treated.  The two standards aren't always the same.  However, when we act with high integrity, attempting to do the right thing, with respect for ourselves and others, we have a great basis for a strong relationship.

Love

 I realize each day that I am incredibly blessed.  Not only do I have the promise of eternal life - I have the love of a birth family, nuclear family, extended family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and fellow volunteers.

Happy Valentine's Day to Each of You Who Positively Impact My Life!

Pretty Woman Syndrome

One of my favorite movie scenes is the reappearance of Julia Roberts in the snooty Rodeo Drive stores when she has unlimited purchasing power. 

When one makes purchasing assumptions based upon the buyer's appearance or knowledge rather than treating every interested party as a valued prospect, major opportunities are lost.

I was privileged to grow up in an unpretentious small town. My family had the chance to build businesses beginning with heavy construction. I vividly remember two stories of overalls-clad individuals being approached. In the first, my Dad asked a farmer on a tractor to whom he should present a bill for work they had completed. Surprisingly, this affluent farmer was working his own field and paid cash from his bib pocket for a sizeable invoice.

Another overalls-clad farmer appeared in an equipment dealership inquiring about a particular tractor. Because of his appearance as a man of meager means, he was not treated well. He subsequently purchased a large fleet elsewhere.

Years ago, I called a specialty car dealership on behalf of an out-of-state "cash-in-hand" buyer for an in-demand vehicle.  Because I wasn't on a waiting list or knowledgeable about the vehicle, I didn't even receive the courtesy of a follow-up call.   Bet if I called today, I'd be treated as royalty!

I wish everyone treated others as they wish to be treated. More friendships, business relationships and pleasant interactions would result.

Embracing Generational Differences

Our recent Sterling Bank Women's Business Initiative Luncheon in Dallas featured the remarkable motivational speaker, author and Gen Y expert, Nancy Barry. Nancy’s high energy, dynamite presentation about generational differences made us think, question, laugh, understand and converse. Each fortunate attendee left with immediately actionable tips for improving our inter-generational professional and personal relationships. And a large number of guests left with copies of her terrific book, When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent College Graduates to Know.

Nancy encouraged us to focus on talent and what we have in common in order to capture the depth of experiences and perspectives that each generation has to offer. Open communication, mutual respect and flexibility provide the keys for inter-generational harmony.

Nancy appropriately refers to Gen Y (1980 – 2000) as Generation WHY. They want to know WHY something has to be done a certain way. Hard-working and motivated, they value life-work balance which is quite different from work-life balance. They are the most rewarded, recognized and praised generation.

Gen X (1965-1979) grew up as independent, latch key children. They want you to tell them WHAT needs to be done and WHEN you need it, but don’t tell them WHERE or HOW to do it. They work to live.

Boomers (1946-1964) are willing to do WHATEVER it takes to succeed – which includes working nights and weekends – because they LIVE to WORK.

The only recognition Traditionalists (1925- 1945) need is the personal satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

Nancy may be reached at www.nancybarry.com/.