What We Say Matters To People Sometimes

I received a LinkedIn message from a University of Oregon student this week. I spoke down there in 2007 (and will be teaching there this fall) to a class in the School Of Journalism and Communications. He was just reaching out but reminded me of something I said when I was down there: “We’re wired to want to please people, but great things come from your own convictions.”

I did one of those Scooby Doo double-takes when I read it. Did I really say that? I must of. It sounds like something I would say and it is definitely something that I believe. But, for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why I felt so conflicted. I think it was partly because I haven’t felt as though I have actually been doing the second part of that thought as much as I would like. The “wired to please people” thing? Definitely. And I’m OK with that to a point (more on that in a minute). But, have I really created anything “great?” Really good and effective for sure — but maybe not great.

This was a thunderbolt and revelation. It actually shook me up in a good way. It reminded me that what we say really can matter to people sometimes. I was flattered that this student had found it inspirational, but now I feel an even greater responsibility to live up to it. (maybe a Catholic guilt thing)

The first part of the thought has been part of my DNA for a long time. I do like pleasing people. It makes me feel good when other people feel good about things — especially work-related. It means that I am doing a good job. Good clients recognize that and are grateful and appreciative. I like getting feedback, even the bad stuff, because it’s productive and when it all clicks, it can be channeled into a good place.

But when one’s conviction slides in, it takes it from just “good” to truly “great.” When a client recognizes that your core beliefs work in tandem with their goals and lets you run with them, then that client goes from “good” to “great.” Great client recognize that, are grateful and appreciative — and it makes me want to do even more for them because at that point, it becomes really fun. We all strive to make work life fun, but it can be fleeting because plenty of other things get in the way. But when you really do latch on to a “great” client, you’ll know. Because the first thing that you’ll do when working with them — is smile. I have a few clients like that and it makes me very happy to work with them every day.

All it takes is a little conviction and an unending commitment to what you believe in.