Since it was first coined, the phrase ‘business as usual’ has denoted a ruthless upward climb, without regard for, and often over, others, to where some mythical level of success awaits. It’s time that definition changed, because, as it turns out, other people—and our relationships with them—are critical to our success. And to build those relationships, we have to look outside our own needs.
First, argues the author, doing for others—whether that means giving advice, a recommendation or some other favor—creates an ecosystem based on reciprocation. That seems pretty simple. When you give of your time and energy, chances are others will pay you back for it in some capacity down the line.
But more than that, giving leaves you with the self-esteem that comes from being altruistic:
“Doing something for others can be a great boost to self-esteem. It proves to us that we are not just selfish creatures, or worker ants caught up in the daily grind. It proves that we are capable of kindness, capable of goodness, capable of generosity.”
“Doing something for others can be a great boost to self-esteem. It proves that we are capable of kindness…”
“Employees given the resources and opportunity to fix niggling problems or to help out struggling customers will feel better about themselves and about the company they work for. That’s as close to self-esteem as a corporation gets.”
The bottom line is that those who only think of their bottom line (personal success or achievement) are actually doing a disservice not only to themselves, but to their brand as well.
RelSci is a technology solutions company that helps create competitive advantage for organizations through a crucial yet vastly underutilized asset: relationship capital with influential decision makers.
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