“So, this is the new year, and I don’t feel any different,” Death Cab for Cutie’s, Ben Gibbard, sings on “The New Year” the lead track on their 2003 breakout album, Transatlanticism. What, you ask, could you learn from yesterday’s emo artist – a band long known for their range of emotions, from empathy to sympathy and heightened sensitivities? The value of connecting with people. Whether it’s your boss, a coworker, a client or a prospect; the inherent value in the building and maintain relationships with people is more important than ever.
Pandemic Academic
Gibbard goes on to add to his malaise that he doesn’t have any resolutions for self-assigned penance nor for problems with easy solutions. Knowing people are feeling much like him right now, experiencing extremely challenging times navigating the pandemic is paramount. Anticipate it. Now is the time to hone your soft people skills; a little empathy, sympathy and understanding can go a long way, in business as much as in your personal life. And if you’re not naturally this way, it’ll more than serve you to learn how.
Soft People Skills
So, you’re not a “people person”. Well, there’s no better time than the present to strengthen your soft people skills. A key to doing just that is (not so) simply getting out of your own head. Do your best to try to sense how other people are thinking and why. Then, ask yourself how they might want to be treated and do just that. What you’ll find is they will likely meet you halfway and give you the same treatment. You see? There is such a thing as a “win-win situation.” Now, imagine how that might have a positive effect on your business.
The Golden Rule
If that’s still too hard to digest, simply use The Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That time-tested advice should get you in the ballpark at the very least. Most people don’t ask for too much; they just want to be respected and treated with kindness. That shouldn’t be too much to ask, regardless what industry you work in. Even cutthroat careers ranging from construction to healthcare to technology rely on relationship building, and few things can help you build your relationships more than The Golden Rule.
Make 2021 a Better Year
So why should you care, especially now? Because 2020 was rough on everyone, the world over. And 2021 has already had its share of challenges. There is no doubt the above will serve you, this year and beyond. Thankfully, Gibbard finishes the song on a positive note, “There’d be no distance that could hold us back. So, this is the new year.” To talk more about your company’s plans for 2021 and how your business can be more empathetic, sympathetic and sensitive to an ever-changing business climate, contact me at www.jasondfarrell.com.
