How Your Uber Rating Can Help You Gain Perspective in 2020

How Your Uber Rating Can Help You Gain Perspective in 2020

What’s your Uber rating? Is it something you’re proud of, or something you’d rather not share?

I often ask members of my team and my professional network about their ratings. It might seem odd, but you’d be surprised how quickly this simple question gets you thinking less about rides to the airport and more about yourself.

The end of the year is the perfect time for reflection, both personal and professional. Last year I wrote about the principles that guide me and keep me focused on what’s most important to me. This year I’m thinking about the things I did well over the last 12 months, and where I can improve in 2020.

Which brings us back to Uber ratings.

Maintaining a high rating is dependent on several factors, and obviously many of them are specific to being a good passenger and customer. But indirectly, some depend on being a good person and involve qualities like self-awareness, consideration, respectfulness and kindness. My rating is 4.73, and when put into this kind of perspective I think it’s a true reflection of who I am when I get into an Uber headed to the airport (a lot), a business meeting I’m late for, or dinner with my family. This is also why I really enjoy asking my team about their rating—the self-reflection and discussion that happen are always so interesting.

I love the story about the CEO who, before hiring colleagues into his organization, would have potential candidates meet him at his office. He’d purposely make them wait 15-20 minutes seated next to his executive assistant who would engage in a bit of small talk with the candidate—if they wanted a drink, how their day was going, etc. The CEO would then ask his EA how the candidate responded. Were they attentive or dismissive? Kind or rude? Next, he would take the candidate to lunch where it was prearranged for the server to mix-up their order. The rationale was simple—the CEO wanted to see how the candidate would treat the waiter when something went wrong. He believed that if they would lose their cool with a server, chances were pretty good that one day they would lose their cool with him. In some ways, an Uber rating is a modern way of assessing someone’s character.

The qualities that make you a good person and define your character also help make you a good leader, so as you’re getting ready to face 2020 head-on in search of personal and professional success, ask yourself these questions:

·      Are you self-aware? Can you objectively evaluate yourself, manage your emotions, and align your behavior with your values? Do you really understand how others perceive you?

·      Are you considerate? Are you thoughtful and sensitive toward others? Do you treat others as you would have them treat you?

·      Are you respectful? Do you show courteous regard for people's, actions and ideas, even if they’re different from your own? Are you polite, and a good listener?

·      Are you kind? Are you friendly, generous and considerate? Do you offer help without expecting anything in return? (Here’s a tip for anyone who thinks kindness not important for managers and mentors—it’s been shown that purposeful kindness can make you a better leader.)

How’d you do with this check-list? These are big questions that can really get you thinking about improvements you can make in your daily interactions with your colleagues, customers and teammates. Keeping a personal version of an Uber rating might seem unconventional, but it can help you keep your actions and behaviors in check.

To my network of friends and colleagues, I wish you the very best for 2020. May the year ahead be prosperous and full of excitement.   

PS: Be sure to tell me what your Uber rating is below in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think.