The increase of analytics have us pouring over data like never before. Nevertheless, success in business—and in life—still comes down to this: Put people first. Many processes that used to require one-on-one interaction can now be automated, but this doesn’t mean you should sit back and let the computers take over. For example, several operations of a traditional bank teller can now be handled by an ATM. A lot of tech issues that used to involve a phone call with a support team can now be handled by searching a “help” section of a website or talking to someone via chat.
Despite the increased ease of going through your day without making actual contact with someone else, life is still about creating connections, building relationships, and forging friendships that will last a lifetime—and these milestones are all better when people are at the forefront. Remember that there is still a person behind the screen and a person being served in front of it. What extra efforts can you take every day to ensure that you are always putting people first?
People-Focused Employees.
People-focused employees go beyond the adage “the customer is always right” to really show that they believe and support the person in front of them. First of all, find out where the customer is most likely to share their concerns. Will they come into the office to talk one-on-one? Call the company? Send an email? Or send a message via social media or a chat feature on the company’s website? Knowing where the customer is showing up allows you to best serve them. Then, pay attention to what they have to say.
- Listen: The first step is to actively pay attention to what your customer or client is saying. If you are talking one-on-one, give continual eye contact, lean in, and remind the person that you care.
- Encourage: Nod your head in agreement as the person in front of you shares their concern, to validate how they feel and remind them that you’re sincerely interested in what they have to say.
- Appreciate: Thank the person for taking the time to talk with you and let them know how much joy it brings you to help them accomplish their task or resolve their issue.
People-Focused Leaders.
People-focused leaders ensure that their coworkers never feel like a cog in a wheel, but instead like a valued and contributing member of the company—because they are! Starting from day one, provide new employees with everything they would need to feel welcome and comfortable, such as:
- Give them a bag of company swag that they can wear to events.
- Invite them to lunch so they don’t have to eat alone.
- Make them comfortable by customizing their desk set
- Ask them their preferred chair style.
- Help them set up their favorite mouse pad.
- Ensure that they have a computer that runs smoothly and efficiently.
As the people you work with start contributing to the business, recognize their hard work with shoutouts during company-wide meetings and on your business’s message board. Sincerely investing in your people helps to build trust and improves the life of the employee—setting them up to better contribute to the company’s culture and be more productive, which will in turn improve the bottom line. Learn more about the importance of people-oriented leadership, here.
People-Focused, Always.
Whether at home, at work, or just going about your everyday life, it is critical that your friends and family know how central they are to your life. When setting up a hang out with friends, always be respectful of their time by showing up early and asking them how much time they’re able to spend with you before their next meeting. Put your phone away when you’re talking to others and ask follow-up questions to show you are truly interested in what they have to say. Looking for other ways to show people you care?
- Schedule time in your day to reach out with check-in calls, “hello” texts, and thoughtfully composed emails .
- Send them a “thinking of you” card (just because!)
- Bake them their favorite cookies.
- Give them a spontaneous hug.
- Walk a friend’s dog on your lunch break.
- Make encouragement cards for everyone at your office.
- Take someone a cup of chamomile tea.
- Pick up trash that’s blown in your neighbor’s yard.
Before long, you’ll have created a culture of people-focused kindness, and, what started as planned events will occur more naturally and automatically as part of your everyday life!
Need more ways to make people your focus? Consider how being genuinely generous may impact and benefit people’s lives!
