Do you love the people you work with?
I often tell my clients that I love them. At first, they are uncomfortable. They do not know how to respond. It seems this type of love is becoming more difficult to express in the work force. This makes me sad.
I did not always do this. Some time ago, I found myself working with a very difficult client. Our time together, at least for me, was miserable. I would watch the clock and suffer through every moment waiting for the day to end. I was resentful of the time I spent away from other things and wished that I could find a way out. I secretly hoped that something would come up that would cause a cancellation.
In the middle of one of these challenging days we took a break. As I left to make a few phone calls, I resolved that when we came back I was going to terminate our relationship.
During the break, I thought of how I would tell my client it was over. There did not seem to be an easy way out. Every alternative seemed unprofessional and inappropriate. I shifted my focus from my client to me and asked myself “What am I doing to make this happen?” I realized that I did not love my client. In fact I barely liked him. I knew that if I was going to be effective I would have to start loving my client. I also knew that if I continued to fail in that relationship it would eventually impact other relationships. The lesson I learned that day positively impacted all of my then current and future clients.
I decided to love my client. I returned from our break with love in my heart. It wasn’t easy to do. I know it sounds corny, but things really did change. We began to work effectively together and eventually, this client became one of my favorites. I was filled with a great desire to give more of myself to help growth and development occur. And it did, at an amazing rate. Another amazing thing happened; my client began to love me too.
We help the people we love. I can assure you that you will not be remembered for the titles or positions you hold. Your legacy will depend on how you help and love others. It really is easy to make a difference. To do so, you must love them.
