Treat everyone well

As I’ve been working on launching an incredibly audacious startup from scratch, I’ve started to internalize the value of this.? Right now, I’m contacting people I haven’t spoken to in decades, but I'm not afraid to reach out to any of them.? And, guess what?? All of my reach-outs so far have been really wonderful - even with those I haven’t spoken to for 20+ years.

Some approaches that I try to live by:

Be nice

- Smile! Say hello. Introduce yourself. Make time for them.

- Be grateful. Say "thank you," "please," "you're welcome"

Be extra helpful

- Try to anticipate needs

- Hold up your end of the bargain on everything

As you help, think of what they really need

- Even if they aren’t asking the right questions, help them learn to connect the dots

- Investing in growth - more than just getting the right output, help them own more of the process

- But ultimately, let them choose how you help them

Be gracious?- both in others successes & failures

- Celebrate the wins

- Console (rather than rub in) the losses

- & help them have more successes than failures

Give credit

- Err on the side of generosity

Be a good listener

- Listen more than you speak

- This one is hard for me ;)

Apologize

- Even if the offense was accidental or perceived

- Be sincere

Never make (or leave) an enemy, if you can help it

- As long as doing so doesn’t compromise your standards

What I found this week is, at some point, we all need others. If you treat them well, they are likely to return the favor & lend you a hand when you need it.? What you don’t realize is that almost everyone you have ever met is trying to better themselves - to increase their impact & influence.? They are working on this 24-7.? And you aren’t even paying them for it.?

You literally have thousands of people that are continuously growing in impact, that you could tap into, when you need them.? I’ve been baffled by how awesome my network is & how much everyone has achieved since college, since my first job, etc.? They are incredible.? If you burn bridges, you lose all of that. And for what?

Even more importantly, however, not only can others in your corner help you achieve your goals, being kind is also just plain, the right thing to do.

Now, I know I haven’t covered all of the best ways to treat others well - add to my list!? I’d LOVE your thoughts as I continue to learn about this.? What are some philosophies you live by in this regard?