
There are many keys to success. There are incredible, resilient, amazing people all over this planet who have experienced wild success in the arts, athletics, business, finance, science, technology and many other creative endeavors. If you read or hear their stories you will learn of their keys to success such as strength, perseverance, stick-to-itiveness, practice, pain, sweat and tears. What I am going to talk to you about is a key to success that has to do with relationships. Sure, you can claw your way to the top without a thought of how you may hurt or affect other people. But, I will argue than nothing is more meaningful than valuing the worth of other human beings.
I remember being part of the hiring process in a company I was working at as they were reviewing candidates' skill sets and salaries. I was shocked to hear comments like, "she's good and she's a bargain" or "oh he's really good, we can get him for cheaper too." I felt sick...that kind of pit in your stomach that hits you on soul level. The comments were so dehumanizing. Listen, I know just as much as anyone, there is a market value for different jobs, portfolio and experience. Yet, one's value to an organization cannot monetized. When I was first starting out my career, my late husband once told me, "people want someone who is willing and teachable." I had had a co-worker at the time who made a lot more money than I did. He had multiple degrees but couldn't get along with anyone. He thought everyone below his pay grade was stupid.
If you want to succeed on a personal level and feel good about what you are doing, treat people with value, human dignity and respect. People are not for sale. It is all about relationship. I have held many jobs whether in my career or ministry. The leaders I admire the most are the ones who have what is called "servant leadership." I have a dear friend who has a successful business, but if you ask her what her purpose is, it is "to provide jobs for families and opportunities for the community." She can be seen doing everything from CFO duties to cleaning bathrooms. I watched my pastor of 40 years be the kind of man who could be seen setting up chairs at events, working in the kitchen to making repairs on the building. He never asked anyone to do what he wouldn't do himself. This is the kind of person I desire to be; whether I make $8 an hour, $25 or $100 an hour; to be humble, to give the same value and effort no matter what the going rate is. I also hope to be treated with the same respect no matter what the job is. Perhaps I am too idealistic. But...if you are in a position of authority, I ask you to consider the way you think of people. View people as people, show them appreciation and respect. People want to be heard, seen, known and appreciated. We are in the people business wherever we go. Do not get me wrong. You have worked hard to get to where you are. Not everyone has the same opportunities; abilities, physical or mental capacity to climb the corporate ladder. Yet, everyone has their purpose, and everyone has their place.
One last story. When my late husband was a new writer and producer in the newsroom, it was cutthroat. He was struggling; printing and crumpling up his stories he had written over and over again. As he was headed to the trash can, an older gentleman who was the janitor said, "That's right young man, you keep writing and filling up my trash can." He never forgot that conversation. He shared this story often because it illustrates that everyone has value and contributes to the greater good.
Turn the key in the lock of your heart and it will unlock the best in people. Everyone wins.
My name is Jennifer. I am a certified life coach, and I am in the people business. I help people see their value, explore their gifts and maximize their talents while teaching communication and boundary skills.
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