Who is that?

In business sometimes people forget who they are. I do not mean who they are today but who they used to be and who others around them might think they are. Recently at a local wine tasting event a few of my peers and I worked to help out a local organization. The focus of the event was to raise money for a local YMCA. Although the event was a huge success it was the people who were in attendance who I found interesting.

Since the event was a wine tasting event the demographic was very specific. A quick scan would say median age 51, white, professionals, who were in attendance. There were people from very different professions, Lawn Care Owners, Attorneys, Stockbrokers, Bankers, CPAs, etc. However what I found to be interesting was the attention and thoughtlessness some of the patrons had. Some the the guests were very demanding, rude and to a point almost degrading. While others were extremely friendly willing to converse share stories and enjoy the event.

As a leader it is important to think about each time you have an experience with someone. These experiences will be the lasting impressions that people will judge you by. Sure some are fortunate to have extreme amounts of wealth however this does not by any means they are better than the person who is working the afternoon shift at the local mill. One of the problems when people interact in a way that is less than respectful is the immediate loss of credibility. Although these people might think they will never need help these are the ones that are likely to live a life that is full of material goods but is missing the true meaning of life.

If you treat everyone equally you will likely build relationships that are everlasting which translates into greater rewards than monetary gain.