Do You Belong? Are You Missed?
Those of you who know me know I am a huge Seth Godin fan. If you don’t know who Seth Godin is here is a link to his site. He has written several wonderful and meaningful books including The Purple Cow, Tribes and The Big Moo. I strongly recommend you give them a look.
Seth says people are really very simple. We want to belong and we want to be missed when we aren’t there. Think about yourself. It feels good to belong. That may be a sorority in college, a committee at work, your church or synagogue, a social organization – you get the picture. We also want to be missed. Have you ever received a phone call from someone who said they missed you at the meeting or party? Felt great didn’t it?
How about those of us who have left workplaces after years and getting that call from a former co-worker saying things just aren’t the same without you being there. I get tears when I get those calls because it feels so good.
Belonging and being missed can apply the companies we represent as well. So I ask you, “do you and your company belong and are you and your company missed when you’re not around?” Easy questions, hard answers.
Here are 3 simple suggestions to make sure you belong and are missed:
1. Listen –the most important. If you truly listen to your friends, your customers and your colleagues to THEIR needs you will be relevant and you will be missed. Good listeners are a rare find! Stop that internal chatter that sometimes includes “how should I respond”, “these people are idiots”, “what’s for dinner”, etc. Listen!
2. Participate in the discussion – don’t hide from the “truth”. Always remember “truth” can be a perception you disagree with but to that person it remains the “truth”. Ask questions, probe.
3. Respond – this is proof you were listening and actions still speak louder than words. No response, no follow-through? You won’t be missed!
Sounds so simple. But how would you grade yourself and your company?
Please post your comments – I am listening!
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Hi Margie,
I enjoy the reads. Good, light and thought provoking.
Thank you,
Connie
Glad you enjoyed this Connie – Margie
Thanks Margie. Sound advise…and by the way I was feeling very “unmissed” this morning so I really appreciate your email.
Sometimes it’s the simple things we need to be reminded of that truly make the difference in our relationships in this often hustle-bustle world of chasing the latest social media craze.
The systems that connect us may be evolving, but the need for developing meaningful and lasting business and personal friendships and relationships has not.