It's About People

It’s about PEOPLE

MAKE IT ABOUT THEM

Who gets worried?  Who has anxiety?  Who gets frustrated?  Who gets upset?

Every single one of us…

OneMoreStep Thought for this week: Most of the time when we’re worried, anxious, frustrated, or upset with someone or something…we’re making it about us.  Often times it serves us well to stop, take a deep breath, and make it about them…when we focus on “them” we add value, make people happy, make magic, and we begin to live much more fulfilling lives in the process.

Every industry, every profession, every occupation, and just about every scenario, when we peel the layers back, at the core of everything – it’s about people.  The reality is that nothing really gets accomplished, in any business, profession, or situation without people making it work...whatever it is.  So we should make it about “them”.

Focusing on people results in stronger relationships, deeper connections, and more enriching experiences for everyone involved.  It’s when we get caught up in our own “stuff”, focusing on our own goals, our own reputation, and our own resume that we slip into that mental trap.  You know the one…the one that every single time leaves us worried, anxious, frustrated, and/or upset. 

What happens when teachers and professors focus on inspiring their students rather than dazzling them with their own content or message?  What happens when sales people focus on their clients’ needs rather than their own bonus potential?  What happens when leaders focus on developing the talents of each individual on their teams?  What happens when front line Guest Service folks focus on making it right for their Guests and clients?  What happens when volunteers focus on the people they’re truly impacting rather than their own time they sacrifice to do so?

Pure, old-fashioned magic happens…every time.

So when we’re worried, anxious, frustrated, or upset about something or someone…whatever the situation, whatever our profession; we should remember that it’s not about “us”, it’s about “them”…it’s about people.  Focus on them.  Who can we teach…who can we coach…who can we make smile…who can we make happy…to whom can we reach out and lend a helping hand…

One for the road…

Last week I interviewed seven people on our team for an open Supervisor position.  Work has been stressful lately…in early…staying late, grinding on “important things” like overall marketing strategy, budget decisions, personnel moves, and improving processes.  Granted, these topics aren’t anything out of the ordinary, nor do I think my focusing on them warrants special recognition or consideration.  However, they have been my focus nonetheless.

The conversations I had with those seven wonderful individuals last week opened my eyes and woke me up.  I asked all of them interview questions, but each interview turned into great conversations.  I found myself listening to stories of experiences at work with their peers, their leaders, and some even had great examples of magical moments they’ve created for our Guests.  Not only was I impressed, I was moved. 

Sure…it sounds corny, but I was moved by the passion, devotion, and emotional connections they’ve made during the course of our opening year.  They smiled as they spoke.  They laughed as they reflected.  They were genuine in nature.  It was a very touching experience for me as I realized…this isn’t about strategy…this isn’t about budgets…this isn’t about processes…it’s about people.

I’m fired up to make it about people today…and something tells me that just about everything else will fall right into place from there.

"You can dream, create, build, and design the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality." -  Walt Disney

Have a great day.

Taylor