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YOU CAN BENEFIT from the cooperation and
goodwill of the people you work with — their cooperation
and goodwill helps you do your work, and makes working more enjoyable.
But how can you gain cooperation from people? Simple: Help them
whenever it doesn't interfere with your job. When you help another
person, it practically compels them to return the favor.
But in some jobs, there's not much you
can do for each other. There is, however, something you can give
to every person you work with and it's something they want —
something that genuinely helps them and will make them want to
help you. It creates a spirit of cooperation in them.
What can you give them? A feeling of
importance. It's easy to do, it doesn't cost anything, and
it makes the person feel good. It gives them something they want
very much, something they don't get enough of. And it makes you
feel good too. No one loses, everyone gains. Where else can you
get a deal like that?
Now the question is, how can you make someone
feel important without being phony? Being phony is uncomfortable
and akin to lying, so for this to be any good, it has to be honest.
Here are some things you can do that fit this criteria:
1. Use a person's name when you're talking
to them. This gives them a subtle feeling of importance. And
look them in the eyes.
2. A smile is always a gift — it says a lot and is easy
to do.
3. Tell them things you like about them: Point out character
traits you appreciate, talk about the quality of work they do.
Make known what you respect about them.
What do they do that's genuinely important
to you? It doesn't have to be something big. Think small. Look
for little things and say them. Don't exaggerate. Just express
your appreciation sincerely. But be subtle and low-key. Don't
make them feel uncomfortable.
And guess what will happen? They will start
to treat you differently. They'll like you more, they'll find
more things about you they appreciate, and they'll have
a stronger desire to help you.
These are small efforts. But they'll change
the atmosphere in which you spend so much of your time. It makes
your world a happier, more cooperative place. And you're not
taking goodwill from people — they'll give
it to you freely, because you did something to help them. You
gave them something they want: A feeling of importance. |
