Do unto others – equally

Recently I had an experience with a fellow volunteer of a community organization.  He heads a committee from which I asked for resolution of a matter.  We had a good discussion and he said he would get back to me within the week.  Time past and I ran into him at a networking event about five weeks later.  He said he had some medical issues and was just returning to work.  It took another four weeks to call me with the resolution.  This individual is a banker and I doubt he allowed nine weeks to go by before getting back to his clients.  Here are some thoughts about treating people equally.

Thought 1:  It’s your brand!  How you treat people speaks louder than what you say to others.  Reliable, professional, reasonable along with many other labels are a shorthand to describe you.  Consistency with everyone creates these labels and defines what you are known for.

Thought 2:  Importance.  Everyone is equally important.  Differentiating among vendors, volunteers, staff, boss, friends, clients and customers is a recipe for disaster.  A staff member can become your boss, a vendor can become a customer, individuals roles are constantly changing.  Treating people with equal respect can assure your reputation.

Thought 3:  Do unto others.  Treat others as you prefer to be treated.  If you don’t want to be kept waiting, never be late.  Perhaps you value appreciation, thank others for what they do for you.  How you treat others sets the standards for how you will be treated.

Thought 4:  You’re a star.  It’s so easy to stand out these days.  Kindness, acknowledgements and thank you notes seem to have gone out the window.  Sharing a smile may make someone’s day.  With each interaction you have, taking an extra step can set you apart, make an impression and ensure you shine above the rest.

Thought 5:  Do what you say.  If you are going to get back to someone within a certain time frame, be sure to do it.  Return all phone calls within 24 hours – even from persistent vendors.  Under promise and over deliver on everything you can.  Beat all deadlines and goals set out for you.  Reliability is a cornerstone to all relationships – personal and professional.

Thought 6:  Judgements.  Don’t judge a book by its cover – this is hard to do.  The person who shuffles into your office looking rather unkempt could be your most profitable customer.  The waiter in a restaurant may be your next client.  How you treat people gets remembered – you never know who may recommend you to someone they know.  We’re all connected in some way, dismissing someone for how they look or what they do will backfire every time.

Thought 7:  Sooner than later.  If you need to deliver bad news do it right away.  Putting off responding to someone with bad news makes it harder to deliver.  People want a response so they can move on.

What have you found about treating others equally?  What has worked for you?  Leave your comments below.

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