Care But Don't Care Too Much

Years ago I met an American business entrepreneur who was so full of motivation and charisma you just couldn't help but be inspired in his company. He ran his own legal company in Boston and when he gave a speech at a seminar he was so different to the UK speakers at that time with a totally refreshing and direct approach.

The one thing that always stuck in my mind was the phrase - Care but dont Care Too Much - he was referring to working with clients that you really liked, loved their business and probably over serviced because you enjoyed working with them. So the unexpected shock when they switched to a new lawyer meant you couldn't quite handle it emotionally and felt hurt. Didn't they realise you had gone the extra mile for them? That they owed you some sort of loyalty? No!

I had a similar situation recently with an employee in a local firm. The person had worked for six years and helped build the business and believed they were a vital part of the management team. Then out of the blue a decision was made to merge his job with another role. Both directors were asked to apply for the new role and guess who got it? Not my client. Offered a redundancy package that he didn't feel reflected his contribution he was angry and out for blood. The sad fact was that they of course did everything legally and above board, business was business and he had simply cared too much and given more than he should.

Life's hard but knocks like this do round you as a person but its hard to see that at the time! I think we all have to realise no matter how well we think we're doing........... none of us is indispensable.

So carry on caring but not too much.