One of Michael Jacksons’ greatest hits was a song entitled, “Man in the Mirror.” The message was, if you want to make the world a better place, you need to look at yourself and make a change.
Now, replace the word “the world” with “your company.” Next, let it sink in for a moment.
There”s a good chance that where you work, there may be a few personality issues, half-dozen slackers, some ongoing petty conflicts, a couple poor attitudes, and perhaps one or two managers you wish would just quit, or go away for a long, long time. So? You may write these little irritants off because you’ve convinced yourself that no company is perfect and things really aren’t that bad.
The problem with this way of thinking is that when everyone keeps quiet and accepts a somewhat tolerable culture, it perpetuates group apathy. Because things aren’t painful enough to actually say something, everything stays the same. One day after another, one foot in front of the other until 5:00 when it’s quittin’ time. (What else would’ve inspired those baseball caps that read, “Same S***. Different Day”?)
You, yes, you, the person reading this blog has the power and the influence to initiate change
If not you, than who? If you’re waiting for someone else, well, don’t hold your breath I say. And, it doesn’t matter what your title is or how long you’ve been with your company; in fact, it’s often the new person who shakes everyone’s cage out of frustration to wake people up. These people aren’t bad people either — they are strong performers who can’t stand cultures of apathy. Let this sink in for a moment.
If you’re inspired to speak up and initiate change, even in the face of resistance and the risk of irritating one, two or ten people, I’ve done my job. However, for large-scale change to occur, your communications skills and approach must be both powerful and influential. If you hesitate or move forward without conviction, your words will be meaningless.
Before advancing forward, pick up two books: L.E.T., and How to Win Friends and Influence People. The communications skills you learn will not only make your mission easier, it will change your life.
A few examples…
1. Learn how to become a better listener, an Active Listener. Why is this so important? How many times have you heard someone gripe that their manager, friend or spouse is a poor listener? Or, how many times have you tried to communicate with someone, but they were only half present? Exactly.
2. When in conflict, implement “I-Messages” vs. “You-Messages.” In other words, conflicts are no longer conflicts – they become productive conversations to resolve issues where everyone wins and gets their needs met.
3. Learn the art of empathy and giving people your undivided attention. They will appreciate it
4. Learn how to get your needs met, easily.
5. Learn how to become genuinely interested in other people to win their friendship and support.
Doing nothing in a chaotic, disjointed culture simply cannot be an option. It”s non-productive and things tend to get worse before they get better. Do you want to be the agent of the change? If you wait for someone else to do it, it may never happen, and your life will never leave one of mediocrity.