The Importance Of Kindness In Business
Image curtesy of SpaceX
Business inculcates thoughts of money, greed, power, control, and other negative intimidating thoughts. Contrarily, it can promote thoughts of providing for a family or a great lifestyle, wealth, happiness and so forth. Business will never change. Can we always have the good without the bad? I face lessons every day that have taught me and will continue to teach me the importance of kindness, such as when dealing with an unhappy partner, service provider, employee, or anyone involved in business for that matter. Kindness is something that can be reciprocated, even if an issue has arisen.
Launchpadds relies on other businesses and individuals performing at high level, staying true to their word, and being upfront about everything.
Image curtesy of Malyushev
Imagine selling something you know nothing about. Ironically, I have come to find the market is filled with companies and sales representatives who have no idea about the infrastructure and skills needed to optimize and manage the products and services they are selling.
My kindness has been tested in this situation. If a mistake about a core function or important billing implication occurs, do our best not to allow standard human emotions to dictate the interaction and relationship. Instead, step back and take deep breaths to recharge the brain by flooding it with oxygen. Seek the reality and implications of the true functions within the system, the way it does work, and a solution to the problem.
Think creatively and out of the damn box, and be solution-oriented.
What 3rd party software can I use to cross-check the functionality, more specifically the data and effects? How can I be kind to the contractor while expressing my frustration (since they sometimes don't even know what they are selling!) Is it their fault for ignorance? Probably; but this does not dictate how one should behave when a situation like this arises. Shift our focus again, to which we have the ability to directly control. Empathize and be kind; understand the mission and decide if the functions are capable at a high enough level.
Being kind will always place us in a better position in the marathon.
At Launchpadds, we want clients to know we do everything possible to ensure success. In tug of war, if a teammate drops the rope, everyone must ramp their force to keep a path to victory. In being kind, we are able to circumvent problematic situations that can rise as a result of an anger and an unkind, yet natural response. As such, solving the problem faster; saving time, money and feelings.
The vetting process of teams is crucial and should not be rushed. Kind people who are true to their word solve bigger problems together. Red flags are red flags. Trust your instincts and be kind.
Bobby Brodney is a 29-year old creative-entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, California.