Wants come before needs

Looks like the right Puffin didn’t ask the left Puffin what they want first.

What is it with those people who don’t care as much as you do about doing excellent work? Why don’t they?

You employ them. You pay them. What more could they want?

Well, one thing they certainly want, is to know that you’re doing everything you can, to help them get what they want, from the job and for their career.

That doesn’t mean you pander to their every whim and fancy. It’s not about capitulating to their demands.

But it is about asking what they want, first. Not automatically assuming that what you want, is also a great opportunity for them, (and that they really should be grateful!).

Asking is a great way of showing that you care, and that you have their best interests in mind.

Sometimes what they want is just what you and the organisation needs. That’s the dream scenario.

When it’s not? Then you do what you can, when and where you can, to find the fit between their wants and your needs.

And yes, it can require yet another difficult conversation. But in my experience, it’s worth it.

You let them know what you’ve done to meet their wants, what you tried (going into bat for them) and what, as it turns out is and isn’t possible, along with the reasons why. You’ll discover that your actions speak volumes. That is, what you’ve done and what you tried, even if you can’t give them everything they want.

I’ve seen leaps in loyalty, trust and engagement from this small action. If you haven’t given it a whirl, I suggest you do. (Scroll down to leave your comment.)

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Photo by Joe deSousa on Unsplash.