Putting People First

I was recently accused of putting business growth ahead of client relationships when I said “no” to a request. I was dumbfounded. Putting team members, clients, and people in general first is the essence of who I am and how I strive to show up for others. The suggestion that I was putting business objectives before people cut to my core. It challenged my long-held professional and personal principles and values. I have since learned more about this event and have come to understand that the person who levied that accusation had become emotional about the issue. Turning a potential “identity quake” into an opportunity to learn, this experience provided an interesting opportunity for reflection. Could it be true? Was I putting business before people?    

I am most often described as a “values-based leader and people advocate” who firmly believes in and passionately promotes “people first” in the workplace and in life. “People first” is an approach that I have embraced and endeavor to live by, which is underscored by trust, empathy, truth, communication, authenticity, and courage. It does not mean however always saying “yes”.  

In my experience, putting people first can have the effect of strengthening the foundation of your company and fueling business success. A “people first” culture is not a timid, haphazard path toward decision-making resulting in a head-nodding, “yes” culture. It is an intentional approach which supports the growth and development of individuals in alignment with the company’s core values, mission and strategy. I believe that instead of focusing directly on business outcomes, focus on your people and the results will follow. After all, the actions of people are what drives a business.   

My conclusion about the incident that got me thinking about this philosophy and approach in the first place, is that I had in fact put people first in saying “no” to something that would have involved all kinds of compromises and detours from what our people are striving to accomplish. From my perspective, driving your business does not mean that you by default sacrifice your people. It also doesn’t mean that you sacrifice your business when you put people first. What are your thoughts on this people – business dynamic?