Small Things Say a Lot About Who We Are
By Sandy Schroeder
Usually we read people fairly well, but sometimes they fool us. They may seem quick, capable and right on target -- until they leave us hanging, fail to show up, or become difficult to deal with. Knowing who we are and who we are dealing with is pretty important in today's world.
Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-founder of TalentSmart, an agency that serves over 75 percent of The Fortune 500 companies, suggests some of the things to look for when we are evaluating people.
Watch how someone treats clerks or waiters - Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. When people change their tune depending on the circumstances, that raises questions. When they are rude or overly demanding with people who are waiting on them or serving them, that says volumes about them. What they pretend to be and what they really are can be very different.
See how people interact with co-workers - When people speak up, but also take the time to listen to others, they may turn out to be good communicators on the job. People who swoop in with lots of attitude and little time to listen to others may be more difficult to work with.
See if they consistently show up - Sometimes people can make a brilliant presentation that carries them forward, but their day-to-day track record may be a different story. When people show up every day and actually follow through with the work, you have a winner. On the other hand, if the daily performance is clouded by excuses, dubious work, or other issues, there could be trouble ahead.
Listen to what they say and watch what they do - Sometimes individuals lead the way with promises, vivid projections or guesstimates. At the time, it all sounds plausible, but down the road you may have to take a hard look at the specifics.
Contrast past experience with today's performance - I have watched people come into jobs with a long list of past accomplishments, which may or may not play out in their current job. The current job may not actually fit very well, or their current work habits and attitude may have changed.
Expect a direct connection - When you meet someone, look for good eye contact, a firm handshake and a ready smile. If someone is glad to be there and interested in connecting with you, it will be fairly obvious. As you talk with them, see how they handle the situation. Do they really listen to your questions? Do they make good observations? Or are there other signs that raise questions?
We say who we are in a million different ways every day. Keep reading the signs and using the information to your benefit.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Coppell, Tex.