I often hear "I treat people like I want to be treated." That's good insofar as it brings out the best in you, but it only really works if people are like you. An engineer may not want to be treated like an artist ...
We use the DISC personalities, and try to determine how to modify our style to be more compatible with the client's style. We even mark our impression in our ACT contact record, to alert the other team members.
Most important, though, is to ASK. Perhaps not specifically, how would you like to be treated? but how often they like us to communicate with them, when and by what means? To they want demonstrations and explanations, or would they prefer silence to process things themselves first? Tony Alessandra wrote The Platinum Rule about this theory.
Treat people the way they want to be treated.
Treat a person with dignity and respect and this will come back to you. Respect begets respect.
Life is very short and you should life it to the fullest, smile when you see someone, open the door for someone that you see with their arms full or the elderly , say thanks when you get something from someone, love the one that you care about as its your last day, make every day count, that you may never know how long you've got on this earth so live it as each day is your last....
Kevin - that's going a step further - but some people may not want to be treated like you or your daughter.
Bryant - that's smart use of your time and smart handling of clients' wishes. Good for you.
Paige - your comments certainly provide a halo above the personality issues. Yes, whatever their personality, and however it merges or conflict with yours, do treat people with respect, and pass on a true smile whenever you can.
Treating everyone with respect and the way you want to be treated sets a good example for everyone. I do agree you must treat each client the way they want to be treated. Great post!
Mark - ours is such an interactive business. You're right - we can't be egocentric and succeed.
Jennifer - yes, indeed. Everyone wants to know that they're important.
Linda - So right. We can put in lots of time and effort, but if it's not what they want, it's rather wasted.
Kay - Certainly the more goals and role models we can achieve, the better our success and impact.
Funny you should ask!
I think that there is one thing that sets some apart from others and that is their ability to listen.
All too often we are geared to "sell" ourselves or our product. Unfortunately, I find myself in that position too frequently and realize that it is time to stop talking and start listening.
Remember the old saying about two ears and one mouth.
Barbara - certainly is less frustrating!
Ed - you're so right. You've always impressed me with using two ears and one mouth.
Sharon,
I use the DISC profile too which helps me communicate better to our clients. That is important. I find my best source of referrals to be Is and Ss. If these were your main source of referrals, would you spend most of your time with these groups?
Sal - good for you! Thanks.
Debbie - my list is long and my stack is high.
Lola - Very apt way to put it.
Debra - Thanks. Mirroring is a good thing to learn.