GETTING THE BEST OUT OF PEOPLE

Humans are the dominant specie on the planet. This dominance is not one that was gained by brute force or assertion of physical strength or attributes, rather this dominance was claimed by virtue of our intellect. It can thus be said that there is no definite blueprint or ten rule instructional to guide us in our dealings with individuals. We are dynamic in our thinking and ever evolving our thought process. Nevertheless, there is one common denominator which cuts across board…… that is, emotions! Irrespective of class, social standing, race or gender, we are all subject to emotions and this emotions can navigate the direction of flow of our thoughts (or thought pattern if you will). When a man (or woman) reacts to a situation, utterance or action towards them; this reaction is usually spurred on (more often than not) by an underlying emotional impulse. In essence, our actions and (to a larger extent) reactions are physical manifestations of our feelings. When I talk about feelings and emotions in the preceding paragraphs, I’m merely referring to uncontrolled emotions. By uncontrolled I mean emotional triggers that are not determined by individuals purposefully; rather these are spur of the moment expressions.

Flowing from the above, it’s a safe bet stating that capacity to control an individual’s emotion and emotional state will adequately grant you a level of control over such an individual; for only a few individuals possess the presence of mind to actively display or present an outward manifestation contrary to or undetermined by their emotion. Self-awareness is a pre-requisite and a bedrock to the foundational construct of a being who desires utmost control of his/her person.

Now forging ahead to the crux of the subject matter under consideration – Getting the best out of people. We are always seeking for ways to produce results we desire from others in the varying spheres of our relationships, interactions and existence. To truly achieve the utmost in whatever endeavour - more so as leader than most - we must realise that we are interdependent on one another. It is often quipped that “a tree does not make a forest”, this saying is so apt especially to the quintessential man. The following paragraphs will give us a framework which will serve as a guide in our quest to derive the best from those around us.

First and foremost, when in a group or team, as a leader you must make people within the group identify with the ideas presented as theirs! In doing this it is important to make sure that they don’t end up feeling manipulated as this can end up blowing in your face with dire consequences.

Humans especially in this 21^st century are rather rebellious. We don’t often take it too kindly when ideas are being thrust on us. Even as a very controlling leader, try to build a solid skeletal framework whilst giving room for the team to figure out the rest of the body work. After all, a top-notch framework should withstand their input. People generally will defend and even die to protect their brain-child, just as much as a nursing mother will protect her infant child. Giving people the sense that the project is as much their baby as yours will only produce the best output.

Another sure way of deriving the very best from people is by giving responsibilities alongside power to execute. This often brings out that creative spark or the edge that otherwise will not have been present. Humans are not robots, but if you treat them as such, they will only produce the very minimum required of them (in most case).

Also as important as the above-listed is treating others as colleagues and not subordinates. People generally have a positive response when you place value on them and their opinions. Even though an individual realises that he/she is not your equal or is your subordinate in a team, the simple gesture of treating them as ‘colleagues’ in the real sense of the word (that is, as partners), will give them a positive lift which almost always corresponds to remarkable input, extraordinary effort and a high-level of commitment.

It is quite clear from the perspective of a keen observer that, people have this deep-sitted need to be carried along, to be made to feel important, to be recognised and to be acknowledged – even more so than financial gains to be accrued!  

Loyalty and input as a result of financial motivation only produces results commensurate to the remuneration, but loyalty due to a sense of belonging and sense of ownership produces results that are exponential in nature.

It is not in error but rather by design that I left out certain other factors. This was done in order to eliminate anything that could be used or considered as a tool of manipulation - for the one thing a man hates more than being left out, is finding out he has been manipulated.

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