Are You a Human Being …. Or Just a Human Doing?
With the economy slowly reopening and spring in the air, everyone is getting busy doing things again. And most people seem pleased to be DOING again.
But do we really want to be busy humans, simply DOING things again …. or has the pandemic taught us that it is better to be more deliberate (purposeful) about our actions so we can be better human BEINGS.
Let’s not fall into the trap again of simply DOING.
One of the BIGGEST lessons from the pandemic is that we all realized how much we crave human connection. We missed connecting with other human BEINGS. For many of us, we realized that we took the those connections for granted.
So before we start DOING again, take the time to reflect on how you can be a better human BEING. Reflect on WHY you are DOING what you DO.
Connect your job with a sense of purpose. For everyone in the Finance Industry (or a sales profession), that purpose is to genuinely help others. When you connect with purpose, you become a happy human BEING, rather than simply a busy human DOING.
So what do you need to BE in order to fulfill that purpose. As my friend Joe Sullivan from Market Insights would say ….
Now is the time to BE radically authentic.
BE true to yourself. BE true to others. BE true to your purpose.
When DOING lots of activity, take the time to reflect on these four questions:
- Is what I am doing helping me build better connections with people?
- Is what I am doing making other people’s lives better?
- Is what I am doing truly appreciated by others?
- Is what I am doing a great example of my commitment to my purpose?
If you can answer YES to those four questions then it is quite clear you are a wonderful Human BEING.
So please stop simply going through the daily motions ….. and/or please stop overthinking how people will react to your actions. It’s the biggest challenge I face as a Sales & Service Coach when working with people.
Just BE.
BE Confident.
BE Positive.
BE Genuine.
BE Giving.
DON’T BE afraid. DON’T BE selfish. DON’T BE negative. DON’T BE hesitant.
Acting with heart, authenticity and genuine care is a GREAT way to BE …. and you will find that this way of BEING will lead to lots of wonderful opportunities to successfully grow your clients, your organization, your career and your happiness.
At your next Team Meeting, don’t simply discuss your activities for the day, the week or the month. Discuss your purpose. Discuss how you can BE a better human BEING. Discuss the following ideas:
1. Build Better Connections
- Compliment people often.
- Discover and discuss common interests.
- Make eye contact. Smile.
- Share stories and experiences.
- Show gratitude.
- Remember them.
2. Make People’s Lives Better
- Show an interest in people’s lives.
- Ask questions. Listen to their answers.
- Be empathetic. Be complimentary. Be helpful.
- Be a sounding board.
- Offer and provide advice if needed.
- Share knowledge and your expertise.
- Provide simple and easy solutions.
3. Be More Generous
- Do favors for others.
- Give without expecting anything in return.
- Provide extraordinary service.
- Create amazing experiences.
- Go above and beyond. Be creative.
- Give people your time.
4. Demonstrate Commitment
- Set goals.
- Gain agreement.
- Overcome challenges.
- Make a plan. Review it regularly.
- Be clear about what you will do next.
- Keep your promises.
- Diligently be mindful about how you make other people feel.
- Formally develop new skills, behaviors and beliefs that can make others feel great.
The secret to success is to be a Human BEING …. not just a Human DOING.
YOU chose a career in banking (or sales) for a reason. Not to simply make a dollar and pay the bills. How uninspiring is that?!?
YOU chose that career because you like helping people. Your purpose is to make other people’s lives better. When you fulfill that purpose, not only do they benefit …. but so do you.
I will say this ONE LAST TIME ….
Please stop simply going through the daily motions ….. and/or please stop overthinking how people will react to your actions.
I think Mark Twain said it even better than me ….
Your WHY (purpose) fuels your passion. And isn’t it more joyful to be DOING the things we are passionate about? Imagine how much more you can achieve with PURPOSE and PASSION.
So don’t just be a Human DOING ….. be a Human BEING …. and you will win the MIND & HEART of more clients, more prospects, more colleagues, more friends and more family.
Now isn’t that a great way to BE?!?
Check out my short 4 minute video below for more personal insights on the importance of being a better human BEING.
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Article written by Joe Micallef – Sales Strategist & Coach – Grow UP Sales. For more advice on how to BE HUMAN while DOING please email joe@growupsales.com or visit the webpage www.growupsales.com
If you found the content valuable then please feel free to share this article with your broader network. Let’s help more bankers and salespeople achieve a better quality of life.
