How many of you know one of those charming souls who think they are better and smarter than pretty much everyone around them? The type who struts around the city, desperately trying to feel better about themselves. In other words, how many of you know a dick?
Life is just way too short to deal with these people. What makes a person such a pain in the ass? Why not take the high road, even if you know – or think – you are the best in your field? Like Roger Federer. Or Will Smith. They set an example for everyone around them regardless of who those people are or how much they make. That’s how the best and the brightest are supposed to act, right? I disagree with Charles Barley. Anyone who makes money by being in the spotlight has an obligation to be a role model. And a decent human being.
In the three years since David and Sam PR opened for business, we have made it a priority not to be dicks, even when we’re dealing with them. We try to be courteous and respectful. We don’t believe in trying to steal business or employees from our competitors. When someone refers us business, we send them a nice gift. More importantly, we try in everything we do to use those two magical expressions that have become foreign to so many people. “Please” and “Thank you” are the most powerful words in the English language yet they are facing extinction. Why? You don’t think you “need” to say that? Too “important?” Or are you just too “busy?” You know what, we’re all busy and stressed these days. That’s not an excuse anymore.
Of course, there have been many times where we have had to grit our teeth while being pounded into the ground by people who just don’t care about anyone except themselves and their pocketbooks. It’s aggravating, but you have to tolerate and eventually weed through the dicks in order to find the people worth doing business with. If you think about it, it’s really not that complicated:
• Have manners.
• Treat others how you want to be treated – the good ‘ol golden rule.
• Be friendly.
• Show people you (actually) care.
• Listen.
When in doubt, put yourself in the other person’s shoes. And if that someone is a dick, deal with it and then move on quickly. You might want to wash off your feet, though.
By Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
