If you are in a position of leadership, try to be aware of how you respond to the feelings, thoughts, and opinions of those around you. What you say as a leader will resonate more deeply with people than what others say, so you must be sensitive to this. Even when someone offers an idea that you feel has no merit, resist the temptation to immediately dismiss it. A simple ‘Thank you for your input’ is called for, not ‘No, that won’t work.’ When you’re dismissive towards someone, it sends this message: ‘I’m ignoring you and your idea. Your feelings and views don’t matter. Your concern is unimportant to me.’ Spoken or unspoken, these statements hurt a person’s sense of value and need for respect. This is particularly true if the person thinks they have earned the right to special regard. The old saying is true: ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ When you’re dismissive towards others, they will find a way to display their irritation, and sometimes it’s in a way that can cost you dearly when it comes to fulfilling your vision. You can avoid this by becoming more aware of how you come across to others. The only solution to this problem is to step outside yourself, listen intently to others, and endeavour to understand and respectfully handle their concerns. You will gain great benefits if you do. ‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.