Recently I was running a development workshop for a Leadership team of a professional services firm.

As part of the session, I asked each participant to outline the profile and characteristics of their ideal customer. Each took a turn to articulate their thoughts and I recorded their responses on a flipchart. They referred to the type of industries and sectors that these customers operate in, the level of turnover and the personality types of the leaders and key people.

The final person to offer their view was the boss. I asked the question “What does your ideal customer look like?” His response was short and sweet but nonetheless powerful. “I only want to deal with nice people who value and appreciate the service that the team and I provide; I have no desire to deal with difficult and complaining people”.

There were many nods of agreement and it gave clarity on what they would like to attract as far as new customers are concerned and also set a great tone in terms how they were to be in their dealings.

I have come across the type of difficult people that he referred to and I am sure you have too. They are hard to please, unreasonable in their dealings and with their demands, always complaining, arrogant, aggressive, rude and obnoxious. They tend to know the price of everything and the value of nothing!

The above reminded me of the quote which is the title of this week’s blog and a recent article by the best-selling author Robin Sharma. I shared both with the team.

In the article, Robin referred to a recent ski-ing trip and how one morning he witnessed some inappropriate and nasty behaviour. A woman, who was clearly a beginner, was having trouble getting onto the chairlift. She was with her son and just couldn’t get the hang of it. She looked embarrassed and a little beaten. There was a group of men behind her who were seasoned skiers and they started ridiculing the lady. They called her an amateur and made fun of her attire. Saying things like “hey, take your time–we have nothing else to do”.

Robin was appalled by their rudeness, insensitivity and lack of compassion for a lady that clearly needed help. He said that he could not believe the bad manners, lack of decency and mean behaviour he witnessed. He said the scene stayed with him for two days and got him thinking about the good and not so great in the world right now. It fired him up to write the 10 simple rules for being nice that I share below:-

  • Think about others before you think about yourself.
  • Say “please”.
  • Say “thank you”.
  • Smile.
  • Say “sorry” when you need to say “sorry”.
  • Turn off your phone when you eat with your family.
  • Be on time. No, be early.
  • Radiate optimism and make people feel good.
  • Keep your promises.
  • Be humble.

Yes, I agree these are simple rules but simplicity contains great power. How much better would the world be, if we all took a bit more time to be nicer to each other?

This week why not practice using these rules more (I plan to) and see what positive outcomes they create. What have we got to lose?

Also have a think about whether you are putting up with inappropriate behaviour and what steps you can take to change this and create some new boundaries. Let me know how you get on. It will be “nice” to hear from you!

This week have a think about if there is anything new that you would like to do and figure out your first step in making it a reality.

Quote for the week – “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice” Author unknown!.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk