by Rick Baker
On Mar 22, 2012
Communication has been a lively topic lately... over 27,000 people have viewed this Thought Post.
"What's in it for me?"
That's the key question under discussion.
Some people argue, "That's all other people care about...they only care about themselves...all they want to know is what's in it for them!"
Some people point fingers at other generations and state, "They have an attitude of entitlement...what's wrong with them!"
Meanwhile, Chopra, Covey, and others keep on teaching - 'Seek First To Understand'...and more.
***
What's the point here?
The points are:
- People do have needs1...a whole range and a whole hierarchy of them
- People's minds do work to serve and protect self-interests...that's part of our DNA
And, of most importance, this fact of life does not have to be a problem; it is only a problem for you if you make it so.
People do not have to spread the rumour that the fact people have needs is a problem; you can choose to be silent and let the rumour die from lack of interest.
The fact people have needs does not have to be viewed negatively by you; you are the only one who can make you view it negatively...you can choose to be neutral or you can even choose to be positive about it.
The fact other people have needs should not be viewed as a signal of conflict or viewed as competition against your interests. It is not against you, so it should not be taken personally and judged harshly...that is, it should not be judged harshly by you.
Instead...
We can appreciate The Differences in People2...as expressed to us when they help us understand their needs...for example, when they ask "What's In It For Me?"
Footnotes:
- Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs [from lowest to highest]: physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, self-actualization.
- Appreciation of "The Differences" in People is one of Spirited Leaders' Corporate Values.