#PositiveVibes - Old School

By John R. Nocero and Sandy Abell

John: Today’s world changes rapidly. What was state of the art one year ago is now outdated. Yesterday’s ideas do not keep companies profitable today. To adapt, businesses revise strategic plans or pulse work groups for better ideas. But, while businesses change frequently, employees do not. Let me rephrase that – the way to get better results from your workforce does not. Do not be foolish enough to compare the operating system of your iPhone to your workforce. The average professional still thrives under the same methods that worked decades ago.

 This is old-school thinking. The term ‘old school’ is now pop culture slang, referring to anything from a bygone era looked upon with high regard.

 So many employees think they have everything figured out – they have a know-it-all mentality. So much style, but no substance. All smoke and mirrors. Remember - people rarely know as much as they think they know; also, rarely do they know as much as we think they know.

 So, we need to go and find out how much they know.

 Reach out to a colleague who you haven’t talked to in some time. Yes, it is awkward because you have not maintained the relationship. Do it anyway. E-mail or phone is fine, face to face better – just don’t show up unannounced. Respect their time and schedule a meeting. Then, when you meet with them, really listen to their needs and what is happening in their lives, professionally and personally. People’s feelings impact their ability to do their job, or give them an opportunity to rationalize why they would act in a non-compliant way. Appreciate what they are going through. Energize them. I get more from these exchanges than I do at public meetings, where public sometimes means posturing. Plenty can be learned by listening to those who have been around the block.

 This technique is not new, but clearly not outdated. Basics work. If it didn’t, someone would have figured out a new way long ago. Don’t be so quick to knock the old school. Don’t make the mistake of looking for the latest and greatest upgrade while you miss looking at a technique that has stood the test of time. It works. Once you find something that works, do not just scrap it just because it’s been around for a long time. Technology is new. Human intelligence isn’t.

Sandy – thoughts?

Sandy: This is so important John! What you’re talking about is something we’ve often referred to, which is people connecting on a real, personal basis. Having a conversation that is designed to deepen a relationship rather than sell something.

 Doing things the way you’re doing them is wonderful because you are letting people know you actually see and care about them. It’s not just about what they can give you. As we’ve often discussed, what people want most in the world is to be seen, acknowledged and appreciated. What you are doing is letting them know you’re thinking about them, care about them, and appreciate who they are and what they know. That is a wonderful gift, given with lovely intentions.

 As far as employees thinking they have everything figured out, I wonder if they really do, or if they just think they’re supposed to act like they do. Some people feel it’s not OK to not know something, so they present themselves as being an expert, even when they are clueless. Of course, that eventually catches up with them and they fall flat in some way.

The smart people are those who are comfortable admitting they don’t know something. Then move ahead to fill that knowledge gap by finding the best way to educate themselves.

 This is how we learn, grow and improve. We need to be open to admitting we don’t know, so we can move ahead. Those who think they know, never grow.

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