I think everyone has been on the receiving end of an enraged maniac shouting in their ear on the telephone. The reasons for it occurring are probably infinite, but it doesn’t change the fact that it happened.
In addition to this obvious fact, there is another obvious fact, you probably weren’t overjoyed about it.
Few people will feel motivated to work harder, or help more when they are being verbally beaten like they like a whack-a-mole at a 5 year old’s birthday party. Oddly enough, some people have the opposite response and actually want to help less!
Business Conduct
In my article does your business reflect you, I mentioned how people should enjoy the business they are running. Often, when the business owner hates what they do, it spills over into their attitudes and the way they handle people. Don’t let this happen to you!
As the old adage goes: You catch more flies with honey, than you do with vinegar. I wonder why it isn’t bees?
There are times to be assertive, but it isn’t every time as some might believe. Being kind will go a lot further in what you do than trying to press your way through every person who is trying to help you.
Being Kind Helps Business
I know plenty of people, some of which started their careers off as customer service representatives, who made it quite clear that they bent over backwards for people who were nice to them, and did as little as possible for those who had bad attitudes.
How can you apply this information to running your business? Do you speak with vendors all day? Do you speak with customers all day? What about employees? In some way, you can apply this information and better your business by being nicer. Customer service is the foundation of a great business.
Personally Being Nice
I’ve also experienced this in my own life. I try my absolute best to be kind to anyone, no matter how entry level their job might be, because I know that it will only make both of our days better. If you feel too important, too entitled, or too superior to deal with others in less idolized positions, then your arrogance meter needs to be turned down a notch. I have yet to meet a single person who will help you less for being nice to them.
Don’t let your business reputation suffer, and don’t let business walk out the door, because you refuse to crack a smile, or help someone out because you’re trying to be tough or superior.
Nice Guys Finish Last
I’ve heard this said many times before, and I’ve even heard people try to validate it as true. I’m not going to refute that mean people might make it further financially, but at what cost? If I have to hurt people, walk on people, and be miserable, then let someone else have the “success”, because my general mood, and the way I treat people matters a whole lot more to me.
I believe that people who are genuinely kind will experience more success in the long run. Sure, a ruthless person might make it to the top of Enron, or Tyco, or Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, but it will eventually catch up with them. Enjoy your business, enjoy your customers, and go catch some flies- if that’s your thing.