Can you please everyone? Let's try!
Mindy Gibbins-Klein FRSA
Founder of The Book Midwife? 90-Day Book Program * Book Coach to 1000 Visionary Entrepreneurs! * Top 10 Thought Leader (Thinkers 360) * 2x TEDx Speaker * Author of 15 Books * Eternal Optimist * Hamilton Fan!
Sometimes you just can’t please everyone. Like when you plan an event and half the attendees think the room is too cold, while the other half think it’s too hot. Or when you are choosing holiday gifts and you just know one person is going to hate the gift you’re buying them and probably re-gift it. Or, as I have seen many times on social media, when you try to get consensus about which way up the toilet paper roll should go. (Don’t even get me started on this, and I am someone who occasionally turns the roll the ‘correct’ way around…)
On a recent British Airways flight, I noticed something impressive in the bathroom. Can you see it in the photo? It’s the fact that one roll of toilet paper is coming over the top and the other is coming from underneath. Maybe I’m reading too much into this and it was just a coincidence. Maybe the rolls were inserted in a rush and that’s just the way they ended up.
What if it was intentional though? What if someone actually thought about the fact that people are ridiculously obsessed with the direction of toilet paper rolls, and came up with a way to please everyone?
This got me thinking that in most situations, a little more thought can result in a creative solution that shows how much you care. I appreciate most of us do not have a double toilet paper holder in our bathrooms and this example is probably getting a little silly.
Let’s talk about that meeting room which is either too hot or too cold. What if you were to keep the temperature low and provide those lovely fluffy blankets you find at outdoor restaurants??
领英推荐
The person who is hard to buy a gift for? That’s why gift certificates were invented. You might think that doesn’t show a lot of thought and care, but I think it can, if done intentionally.
It’s the thoughtful touches that stand out in every situation. I always notice when someone has put extra thought and effort into preparing a room where I am staying, an experience we are sharing or a gift I receive.
What about you? Do you want to be a more thoughtful leader? You can do some really simple things to show people you care. You just need to take a little time and get creative. This is what will make the difference in a challenging team environment, family dynamic or client relationship.?
What could you think about right now that would improve a challenging or problematic situation? I look forward to hearing about your thoughtful leadership successes, even if they are just little things like putting toilet paper in both directions to try and please everyone.?
Founder @ Digital Marketing Partnership. Passionate about Increased GROWTH and ROI from your Lead Generation | Automation | Engagement | Sales using Strategy, Creativity + AI Technology
2 年I have a confession here Mindy - I too occasionally adjust the toilet paper so it’s the right way up :) Can we please everyone? Sometimes you can end up not appealing enough to either side enough by sticking in the middle. I’m sure most of us would all welcome a few new great friends more than a group of new OK friends. Im thinking of a half and half pizza - OK it’s not cooking but when I recently pimped up a large pizza I bought into something special for friends I made one side really hot with chilli - the other a little more tame for those that don’t like it hot. I like it hot :) I think the important part is both sides saw and appreciated the extra care and attention.
Empowering leaders to communicate with credibility & influence in business conversations, to work in harmony, Board Member, Expert|Facilitator|Mentor|Podcaster|Author|International Speaker
2 年You have made some really good points Mindy. Thinking outside the box and anticipating what could make people feel comfortable in the space is so important. Being prepared to listen to feedback and act on it, so you understand your audience or clients more is essential.
Strategist, market developer, ecosystem leader, deal shaper and mindset shifter. IOD Fellowship. Social mobility exemplar and mentor. Value Delivery Mechanisms for breakthroughs from ideation to impact WITH stakeholders.
2 年I love the way your mind’s working here Mindy - I’ve always been amazed when someone remembers little things about me from our last conversation, and I’m a little disappointed when it seems they remember nothing of what is DAO or of what they’d told me. I think this is because I always remember what people care about and the stories they tell me. Not on purpose - it’s just how my mind works. I think it’s a small way to show people we are interested, and even if ‘caring’ could be an exaggeration, simply showing we’ve listened can make such a positive impact.
Empowering Financial Confidence | Certified Money & Mindset Mentor| Financial Literacy Strategist for Schools, Young People, Parents & Business Owners | Host of ‘Let’s Talk Money & More’ Podcast |
2 年You and I have the same 'hate' for toilet roll being the wrong way around ! Are you an over the top, or under kinda gal ? Always over the top for me :-)