We all know about being professional and what constitutes such behavior. We know that if we work for someone, we are expected to act a certain way and on the other side of the coin, which I am going to focus on herein, if we pay someone, we are to treat them a certain way. Society and lawsuits have taught us that we are “supposed to” draw a line in the sand that separates what and how we should communicate with employees. Truth be told, I push that line. I ask personal questions.
Maybe, I shouldn’t but, I honestly find it extremely difficult not to treat a human like a human. I find it difficult to play by the rules of “professionalism” and not create personal relationships with people I work with and that work for me. Has this gotten me into trouble in the past? Yes. I get that people need to have a job to support their families and their livelihood and, in a sense, will do what they need to, to play in the game. I, however, am innately unable to deny my internal truth a voice; I am unable to walk by a human that is emotionally suffering and not feel their pain and want to help. I am unable to work alongside someone and not get to know who they really are. To me, what kind of life is that?! My career is a massive part of my life and I want to know people. I want to connect with people. And I can’t stand surface level anything.
I bring this up because, with Money Matters AZ, I have tried hard to create a culture that includes being personally connected to my people. I want them to feel valued and treasured for the person they are, not only the talent that they bring. How can I do that without getting to know them a little? How can I give into the fear of a lawsuit or a broken relationship? I feel I would be selling my soul if I did. No thanks.
I know I stand alone in a lot of ways by reaching for this kind of truth in business and maybe I’m wrong and I will change my mind in the future but, I want to contribute financially and personally to those who work for me, or as I prefer to say, “with me”.
I’d really love to hear what you have to say about this.