When they aren’t your favorite

I was going to title this post “STOP playing favorites” but let’s face it – as human beings there are people we end up favoring for various reason:

• they are easier to work with
• trust has built up and not broken
• as a salesperson they do good work
• we like them
• etc…

Which is why instead I’ve titled this “when they aren’t your favorite.”

As a leader you don’t have the luxury of eliminating every single person you don’t favor from your business world.

Today’s Tips are for how to work EFFECTIVELY with those people who aren’t your favorites.

1. understand
   This is about introspection – dive into they why behind your frustration. Really understand what it is about the person’s attitude, behavior, whatever that puts them on the naughty list in your mind.
   
2. acknowledge
   Believe that it’s ok to have dissatisfaction about the THINGS that person does – also make sure you are looking at the stuff that bothers you and don’t make it about the person.
   
3. plan
   Know yourself enough to create a plan for each interaction – what can you do for yourself to keep your equilibrium and treat them fairly. NOTICE I did say “equal” because I truly believe that we have to be fair as leaders and more often than not – it doesn’t involve treating everyone the same.
   
4. exhale
   Once you’ve figured all that out – realize it’s about changing YOU not expecting them to change. Now, breathe.