When people show you who they are, believe them

This is a saying credited to Maya Angelou. Many think its origins are from the phrases "actions speak louder than words" or "talk is cheap"

Here is a corollary – when people tell you things out of anger, frustration or spite listen to them and act accordingly.

Too often we get ourselves in trouble as adults by trying to rationalize why people say what they do when had we simply listened and done what they told us we would have fewer problems. Ie – when someone says leave – leave, not happy, will not work out, want to see other people, want other clients, other suppliers, etc.

Here is the first $1 million dollar question – how much stress and/or drama could you have saved yourself had you simply done what you were asked or told to instead of trying to convince them to do what you wanted by taking the situation and/or words at face value without trying to rationalize a meaning or getting that person to accept you decision as the right one?

Remember this simple truth, just because you want something does not mean others want it too!









Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you accept the fact that you cannot change people?
• Do you accept the fact that people are going to always do what they want to do?
• Are you talking in a way others can understand?
• Are you listening to what they are saying?
• Are you acting based on what they are telling you or what you want to hear?
• Are you listening with an open mind or have you already decided the outcome?
• Did you do what they told you or did you attempt to convince them to accept your point of view?

Here is the 2nd $1M question:

• If you cannot accept their point of view even though it may not be the outcome you want and you are unwilling to listen to our accept their perspective and them then how can you expect others to accept your viewpoints and opinions when you have closed your mind to everyone’s but your own?

A Hundred Twitters- A Thousand (Chris Brogan)

True intellegence is knowing when to talk, when to listen and when to share. 

Today Chris' post hits on many salient ponts including the application of demographics contained information as it relates to business and it potential real time applications for business and so many other things when one truly understands the implications Twitter has. So instead of sharing my thoughts on business allow me to share Chris Brogan's

• A Hundred Twitters- A Thousand
  

Social Media and Networking in Plain English

A simple story that illustrates the forces shaping social media. This video comes in an unbranded "presentation quality" version that can be licensed for use in the workplace.http://www.commoncraft.com/store-item...

http://www.perrybelcher.net Perry Belcher demonstrates how YOU can use social media in business without being a jerk.

Effective Communication is the key to retaining clients and employees

As a business owners/supplier you are compensated for providing a timely and cost effective solution to your client it is really that simple. In order to do that first you must remain silent and listen to what the client is telling you they want understanding that there will be times they are unsure of what it is they want. Then you look and evaluate the situation to determine where their wants and need intersect.

The quickest way in many cases to loose business is to appear like you do not know, indecisive or give inconsistent responses to the same questions. Consistency also indicates predictability. Your success often depends on your ability to listen effectively, gather information based on facts, assess the stated want vs the desired need vs the current situation and make a single concise statement as to the path forward.

Lets take this a step further – when dealing with your staff a level of open honest communication and dialogue is also important. An open door policy is important and they should understand you value as well as incorprate (when possible) their knowledge and feedback. Just like your clients need to be assured you have some idea what your doing your employees and contractors need that same assurance – that they are valued and money does not accomplish this. Also it is important that you be consistent with your answers to your suppliers, contractor and employees. Being inconsistent and providing a different answer to the same question erodes your credibility with them.

The best example of this was my mentor in corporate Charlie Rodgers, he was the plant manager. I do not think there was a thing, a person, or a client he did not know by name. When in the plant he would do his dailt rounds and speak to the people he saw calling them by name and asking if there was anything they needed. Under his leadership the plant thrived.

Clear communication and transparency generates loyalty, good will and engenders trust. Letting your clients and employees know in advance what is going to happen increases their confidence in you as well as enhances the good will toward you and your company.

Do not leave your clients or your employees clueless.