September 1, 2010Want influence? Individualize, Individualize, Individualize.

Filed under: New Dynamics by merylrunion |

I’ve spoken with a number of consultants lately. Some have been very specific. Others clearly hadn’t taken any time to find out who I was. Too bad. We might have done business together. It’s a bit like a doctor diagnosing without performing an exam. They wouldn’t do that… oh, wait…

One consultant stands out in particular. I had paid for a short consultation to see if I wanted to work with her on a larger basis. She dished out generic advice that made it clear she hadn’t even glanced at my homepage. In the course of the conversation, she commented that consulting work was down these day. She noted, “I don’t know why…” I could have given her a few reasons and would have if I thought she would begin to listen.

In my Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors and my upcoming Perfect Phrases for Developing Dynamic Leaders, I talk about how important it is to treat each employee and emerging leader as an individual.

Unless you don’t have any interest in having influence. In that case, cookie cutter will do just fine, thanks.