"Make me feel important."
I first heard this phrase back in 1989 from Zig Ziglar at a seminar in Houston. He was describing how we should imagine a sign on the chest of every person with whom we come in contact that says, “Make me feel important.” Over the years, I have tried to take this concept to heart and do my best to apply it to my business as well as my personal life. Overall, I thought I’d done okay with it until a few weeks back, when I received a clear reminder of how much better I can be at living up to it.
It was noon and I had just finished teaching a staff class. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted him. It had been years, but I remembered him instantly. He and his brother used to train with me when they were kids. I raced out to the lobby to greet him and we had a wonderful reunion. We talked about old times, his family, and finally, the amazing success his brother became. You see, after training with me, his brother went on to become an MMA world champion and one of the most recognized fighters in the sport.
After a nice chat, we said our goodbyes and he was on his way. I know he enjoyed our visit and went away feeling appreciated and maybe even “important” because I went out of my way to make him feel so.
Then it hit me, although I’d like to think I greet all former students the same way, the truth is I don’t. Sure, I’m polite. I engage them in conversation, but sometimes I’m not “over-the-top-it’s-so-great-to-see-you” friendly. Although I’m hesitant to admit it, I realized that I was extra friendly and respectful to this fellow because his brother is famous. It didn’t hit me until later on that day, and when it did, I was a bit embarrassed with myself. It was a great reminder to me of how we should treat the people who cross our path every day.
Zig, I’m recommitting to you (and anyone else listening) that I will do my best to treat the people in my life like I did the young man in the lobby a few weeks back. Anyone care to join me?