Imagine this: you’re at a bustling café, sipping your favorite coffee, and you overhear two businesspeople discussing a deal. One says, “It’s just business, nothing personal.” One gets up, smiling, and leaves the table, while the other is left behind, feeling defeated. But is it really that simple?
Disrespect arises all the time when we don’t get what we want. In all sorts of conflicts, whether an investor pulls back, a client is unhappy with what they received, or someone gets fired. Suddenly, it becomes all about the two of you, and it has nothing to do with business anymore. It just became super personal, while “it’s nothing personal” echoes from wall to wall..
Leaders and business owners often misuse the phrase “It is just business” to cover up our more primal instincts. The more power and money you (think you) have, the more likely you are to use the phrase whenever and wherever you want, on whomever you want. But it often backfires, resulting in extreme lawsuits. Even the toughest leaders must admit that it always feels personal in the end. They just shake it off and think they need to get over it.
Doing business involves treating people as people while making smart financial decisions. If done with sincerity, you will rise to new heights while avoiding as many lawsuits as possible.
Doing business is like walking a tightrope. On one side, you have financial decisions – the cold, hard facts. On the other side, you have people – employees, clients, investors – each with their own feelings and expectations. How do you balance both without falling off? Here’s a secret: you can’t ignore one for the other.
Let’s talk about empathy. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s your secret weapon in all interactions, including business. Empathy is your superpower. You don’t need to share the same vision, idea, opinion, or feeling to be empathetic; you just have to acknowledge them in the person you are doing business with. Being empathetic is your green card.
Many people struggle with conflicts of interest, which often leads to someone feeling unheard or unseen. It ends up in “I don’t see this working for me,” and the other feels neglected, overlooked, devalued, sometimes even stupid. This is where the personal aspect comes in. If they feel robbed or left behind, jealousy sneaks in and even lawsuits can arise. But when you validate the thoughts and feelings of others, you show respect and build trust. This doesn’t mean you agree with every deal on the table. It means you show you care about the person. In the end, you will make decisions based on what is best for long-term financial success. This is where the “not personal” aspect comes in.
To do good business, you have to be real. What the business world calls “authenticity.” Being authentic means being genuine and transparent. People can smell a fake from a mile away. Authentic leaders build trust because they’re honest about their intentions. No nonsense, just say what you value, desire, what works for you, and admit when you fall short of expectations.
Business decisions often involve tough calls. You might have to cut costs, deny requests, or even let someone go. The key is to handle these situations with empathy and respect.
Investing in empathy and authenticity isn’t just about being nice – it’s smart business. Happy employees are more productive, and loyal clients stick around longer. It’s like planting seeds that grow into a flourishing garden. The effort you put into treating people well pays off in the long run with a thriving, successful business. Don’t be self-centered. Business thrives on people, not just you.
Companies known for their empathetic cultures, like Google and Zappos, often top lists of best places to work. Their secret? They value people as much as profits.
So, next time you hear “it’s just business,” remember that it’s not that simple. Business is personal because it’s about people. Make financial decisions with your head, but handle them with your heart. Show empathy, be authentic, and watch your business thrive.
In the end, balancing the financial side with the human side isn’t just good practice – it’s the key to long-term success.
Helemaal mee eens