It's Still the Little Things
May 21, 2008
By By Bill Dixon
Back in 1000 B.C., Queen Sheba presented a gift of appreciation to King Solomon consisting of gold, precious stones and…spice?
It sounds like something small and unimportant, but back then, cardamom was worth the average man's yearly wage. Many times we ignore the little things, believing that providing small recognition, listening to a small problem or correcting a small service issue isn’t worth our time. Well, it very much is.
Here are four "spices" that will make a difference in your career, as well as in the lives of your customers and associates.
1. Showing Kindness
Kindness is one of those spices of life that can't be identified, yet our lives are better because of it. Find ways to be kind every day. On a recent radio program, a caller related the following experience: He had pulled up to the drive-through window of a fast food restaurant to receive his order, only to be told the person in the previous car—a stranger—had paid for his order. For a mere $3, that person's day was changed for the better.
2. Going the Extra Mile
Every single day, you're asked to do something you just don't want to do—whether the request comes from a co-worker, boss, customer, spouse or friend. You may see the task as too unimportant, difficult or complicated, but ultimately do it because of obligation, expectation and reluctance to disappoint. Yet, underneath lie resentment and a lack of enthusiasm.
What if you not only do the task in question, but also do a little more? Instead of completing the report grudgingly, why not do it well and prepare an executive summary in the process? Do the actions and emotions will follow. This spice will make a world of difference in our attitudes and, consequently, our actions.
3. Sharing Credit
Everyone wants to get ahead, receive accolades and get promoted. To that end, they hog the credit and pass along the blame. What happened to the idea of doing something because it had merit? Why not do something because it is good for the company? The spice of taking blame, sharing credit, building teamwork and doing the right thing will get you ahead in the long run—and the best part is, you will enjoy life so much more.
4. Be Patient With Others
Seek to understand where others are coming from, and be aware of where you yourself are coming from. Take deep breaths and count to 10 before saying something you will regret. Build up instead of tearing down. Look for the positive rather than point out the obvious negative. This will affect everyone around you: Your customers, your employer, your employees—and yes—you will be the better for it.
Spices have been the catalyst for great adventures in human history; empires and wealth have developed because of them. These four spices will be catalysts for change and growth in your life, as well as that of your organization.
Bill Dixon is a retired insurance executive and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Sales & Marketing Management. He is an adjunct professor at Samford University, as well as a motivational speaker and writer. E-mail him at dixon_bill@bellsouth.net.
Sales & Marketing Management Magazine
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