“You will never be able to step truly inside another person, to see the world as he sees it until you develop the pure desire, the strength of personal character, and the positive Emotional Bank Account, as well as the empathetic listening skills to do it.” Stephen Covey
Because it’s made such a tremendous impact on my life, I read Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” at least once a year. It reminds me to “Begin with the end in mind” when setting my goals. “Sharpen the saw,” tells me to continue learning each day. “Put First Things First” conveys the importance of spending quality time with loved ones.
I discover something different each time I read this fantastic book. This time through, I realized how much gratitude plays a role in having a positive emotional bank account with friends, family, and clients. When you share sincere appreciation with the people in your life, they are much more willing to stick with you when times are tough, or you have to make a withdrawal.
Doug found the same thing to be true. “I’ve built more long term respect and trust doing the right thing in business than any “savings” I would have made had I taken advantage of the situation. When I put a deposit in my suppliers’ emotional bank accounts, I am able to make many “withdrawals” over time from the trust that’s built. We always get the benefit of doubt in tough situations.”
Think about the balances you have in the Emotional Bank Accounts for the people in your life. Is it time to make a deposit?
PS – This might be a really good time to send that handwritten “thank you” note.
