Have you ever had an experience that made you feel ignored or maybe even invisible? The other day I was at a Dr.’s office waiting to check in at the reception desk for my appointment… did I say waiting? I stood there for over 5 minutes before anyone acknowledged that I was even there. Now I have gotten kind of used to this treatment in a supermarket when the checkout clerks are talking back and forth with each other as they check your groceries but this experience took it to a new level.
I was taught to imagine everyone you saw had an INVISIBLE sign around their neck which said ‘MAKE ME FEEL IMPORTANT’. This suggestion was made to remind me to always acknowledge people … with a warm greeting, a kind word or just a smile. Has our world gotten so used to communicating with tech devices that we have forgotten how to be present to each other with these simple social graces?
As Leaders we have the responsibility to not only make a difference in the lives of others but to set an example of how to ‘MAKE PEOPLE FEEL IMPORTANT’! Doing this is more important than gaining career success, sports achievements or financial wealth. I read an article called the Charles Schultz Philosophy which speaks well to this problem.
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, who created the “PEANUTS” comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions …. just read it through and you will get the point.
- Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world.
- Name the last 5 Heisman trophy winners.
- Name the last 5 winners of the Miss America contest.
- Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
- Name the last half dozen ACADEMY AWARD winners for the best actor or actress.
- Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
HOW DID YOU DO? The point is, none of us remember the headlines of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers… they were the best in their field but the applause died and achievements are forgotten.
HERE’S ANOTHER QUIZZ. See how you do on this one:
- List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
- Name 3 friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
- Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
- Think of a few people who have made you feel important.
- Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
THE LESSON… the people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. The people who make the difference are the ones who ‘MADE YOU FEEL IMPORTANT’. The number one characteristic of a leader who empowers people is they value people.
“Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’ …. Not only will you succeed…. in business, you will succeed in life”. – Mary Kay Ash
