BE
The 3rd Sphere of a FriendMaker.
People, in general, desire to be liked by others. It’s not that you’re desperate or overly needy. Nobody wants to be disliked.
Under the surface of this, though, is a deeper need. Respect. You may not like me…but please respect me.
This can be difficult when the morals that govern one person are not the same morals that govern another. It’s not a matter of if you’re going to run into someone who shares your convictions, beliefs, and underlying assumptions about life….it’s a matter of when.
DO
How do we respect the sometimes unrespectable? How do we like people when they are unlikeable?
3 practices.
1. Choose to see the good. Focus on the truth between you. If you’ve truly listened and learned another human being, you’ll find something to like about them.
2. Take yourself less seriously. Learn to chill, relax with people, and be less stiff. Let your hair down, put your flip flops on, relax and take them out for a beer. Eat with your client. Take them to a third space that is neutral and relaxing and spend some time with them.
3. Make them laugh. Figure out what they think is funny and laugh with them. Laughter is the best medicine and it tears down walls to break the tension.