While love and business are rarely
used in the same sentence and giving hugs is not a practice
typically endorsed by most HR managers, without a doubt
love is the greatest performance, productivity, and
loyalty builder there will ever be.
The number one concern, whether it's conscious or
subconscious, of employees and customers is "Do you care about
me?" "Do you care about my future, my life, my career, my
well-being?" When you care about your employees and co-workers
they will work longer and harder to support your efforts. When
you love your customers and look out for their best interests
they will feel that love and love you back in the form of more
business, customer loyalty, and referrals. When you don't
treat people like a number they won't treat you like a number.
This is why I recommend that you become a Love Magnet. The
more love you put out there the more love comes back to you in
the form of greater success, more happiness increased wealth,
more customers and more joy.
You don't become a love magnet by wearing expensive cologne
and perfume or by giving inappropriate hugs. Rather, you
become a love magnet by loving your co-workers, your family,
your friends, your customers and those "passengers" who may
get on "your bus" as you journey through life.
Here are five ways to become a Love Magnet, adapted from
The
Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with
Positive Energy. If you haven't read the book yet, I
encourage you to read it and let it inspire you to take action
as it has done for others around the world.
1. Tap the Power of Now - In our technology filled
world, that zaps our time and energy, it seems we are making
less time for people and our interactions are less meaningful.
When you are with a customer, employee, co-worker, etc. be
engaged in the present moment. Energy is most powerful when it
is focused on the here and now. Try not to think about
the 5 things you still have to do that day or the 5 other
people you need to meet with. Really be present with that
person and focus your energy on them. They will feel the
difference.
2. Listen to People - One of the most important
factors that determines a high management approval rating is
whether the manager listens to the employee. Does the manager
hear what the employee has to say? Does the manager listen to
the ideas and needs of the employee? Your employees and
customers just want to be heard, so listen to them and hear
them. Also do this with your friends and kids. It works
wonders and shows others how much you care.
3. Recognize People for their Accomplishments - Make
it real and personal. Send your employees and co-workers a
personal birthday card with a handwritten note, not some
electronic fake signature but a real note that shows you took
the time. Make it a point to acknowledge your colleagues every
time they do something right. Write notes, make calls, make a
personal visit and give them a pat on the back. Send a note of
congratulations when you hear a customer, colleague or family
member enjoyed some kind of success. Of course do this with
your kids too. Praise their efforts.
4. Serve Them - Rich Melman, Chairman of Lettuce
Entertain You once said to me "The higher you get in an
organization the more it is your duty to serve the people
below you rather than having the people below serve you." The
key is to serve their growth, their future, their career, and
their spirits so they enjoy work, life, and being on your bus.
When you love others, you serve them and help them grow into
their full potential. Love is demonstrated through service.
5. Bring out the Best in Them - The best leaders and
managers bring out the best in others. They help people
discover and utilize their strengths. When you love someone
you empower them to be their best. When people are sharing
their strengths everyone benefits.
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this newsletter with a friend!
Sending Positive Energy Your Way,
-Jon
