Be a People Person
"The entire population of the world-with one minor exception-is
composed of others." ~John C. Maxwell
I first heard the above statement while attending John Maxwell's
Maximum Impact Simulcast last April. I thought "wow", what a
powerful message. Some may read, or hear this and think to
themselves, "...duh, that's just common sense", and they would
be correct. That is exactly what makes this statement so
powerful. It's simplicity and it's unquestionable truth. But ask
yourself, have you ever really thought about your life from this
perspective?
Success really is an inside-out process. Stephen Covey author of
"The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" states that
Private Victory comes before Public Victory. This is very true,
but please take note; one is not more important than the other,
the private victory simply must come first. Once we start moving
from independence (victory of self) to interdependence (victory
with others), we begin to move from good to great.
Most, if not all, great achievements of mankind have been the
result of people working together for a common good. Our
greatest individual accomplishments have and will be achieved as
the result working effectively with others.
In our society we tend to toss around the term "self-made",
especially in regards to money and wealth, as in "self-made
millionaire". In reality, there is no such person. Let's take a
look at what Thomas J. Stanley, coauthor of "The Millionaire
Next Door" and author of "The Millionaire Mind", list as the top
five foundations of financial success.
Integrity - being honest with all people Discipline - applying
self control Social Skills - getting along with people A
supportive spouse Hard work - more than most people
Please notice that three of the top five foundations are people
centered.
Even if we were able to achieve the same level of success and
achievement alone, what good would it be without someone to
share in the joy. Think back to your greatest moments of
happiness and fulfillment. I bet it will be hard to think of
even one event, that did not involve at least one other person.
Everyone can learn how to become a people person. Are you ready
to start building solid, healthy, fulfilling and long lasting
relationships? Are you ready to become relationally successful?
If so, I strongly encourage you to begin studying and practicing
the principles of winning with people.
"If you can win with people, you can win" ~John C. Maxwell