Have you ever been talking with someone who isn’t adding much to the conversation or isn’t really listening to what you are saying? It sure doesn’t make you feel good, and it certainly doesn’t make you feel like you are valued.

I am a firm believer that everyone has a gift. I believe one of my gifts is to build people up and make them feel important. I try to do this by having genuine conversations with everyone I speak to; I look them in the eye when I talk, and I really listen to what they have to say. No matter who I’m speaking with, no matter what we are talking about, I work hard to make that person feel like I value who they are and what they are saying. Everyone is important—and they should feel that way.

I remember once reading about a candy company that was losing sales, so it did a study to find out why. It turns out that kids were no longer spending their money on candy, but rather on cell phone cards. The company learned that kids weren’t as interested in buying candy as much as they were staying connected with their friends.

Everyone likes to feel valued and important; we get excited when the phone rings or a new e-mail or text message arrives. We like knowing that someone is trying to communicate with us because it makes us feel needed.

Everyone matters, and our day-to-day interactions with people should reflect that. So the next time you’re having a conversation with someone, put forth the effort to make that person feel like they’re important.

Tuesday 29 June 2010 - 23:53:33

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