“I love [bank] because they treat me like a human!”
In the lobby at the ATM I happened to catch sight of this testimonial and advertisement. I lingered on the sentiment for a moment while the ATM machine made a series of “this is such hard work” noises that accompany any request.
You love them? And the reason you love them is because they treat you like a human? Well, guess what? I love them too! And I love them for the exact same reason. They seem like people and not corporate automatons. They seem like they care, but not in a weird way.
The problem? This is kind of sad. Right?
We love a bank because they treat us like humans. Is that what things have degenerated to? Sadly and often, yes.
So, I offer you a little challenge in the spirit of the sentiment. A challenge suitable for your clients, your employees, your vendors, and your partners. It’s for your family, and your friends. It’s for your church friends and your Chamber of Commerce lunch buddies.
Here it is:
For 30 days start every interaction with one moment of pure, non-transactional, sincere humanity. Every interaction. Every person.
“Hello”
“How are you?”
“Welcome!”
“How have you been?”
“Glad you are here.”
“Nice to see you.”
“How was [blank]?”
“Thank you!”
If you do this, you will be in rarefied air. Many of us have lost touch with the human side of business (and social, and family). We are not here for transactions or hearts or likes. We are not here to convince, persuade, or cajole. We aren’t here for our demands to be met right now. We are here for connection. We are here for love and a sense of belonging.
The 30 days’ challenge starts right now.
