Genuine People #2

Twelve Habits of Genuine People! - Part II
https://www.success.com/12-habits-of-genuine-people/

Are you real?  Are you genuine?  We are continuing our look at Genuine (authentic, emotionally intelligent) people

Starting today at #4

-4 Genuine people are generous

Can you imagine a person who takes one piece from a jigsaw puzzle and holds on to it, until the rest of the puzzle is done and people are unhappy because they are missing a piece and then she puts that piece into the puzzle?  There are people that withhold information, horde resources at work that others might need - so she can show up at the last minute and get the praise for her work.  Genuine people share their knowledge and resources.  

When I worked at Citibank, there was a man who knew “all” about an important part of the accounting and billing processes.  But, Bob was not a horde, (although a bit of an introvert), but did share his knowledge and resources with others.  I learned quickly that Bob was a great asset to the company and a great friend to other developers.  

Another name for this is “team player”.  On a football team, the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers get the praise, but the linemen who block for the others really make the team successful.  

-5 They treat everybody with respect

I remember a story about the CEO of a company who was being interviewed by a reporter about work-ethic.  The reporter and the CEO went to the company cafeteria for lunch.

To everyone behind the counter on the serving line, the CEO said something - some heard him say “Bob, I appreciate having you here”; “Trisha, you are such an asset to our cafeteria”, “Joel, I just wanted to say I always like seeing your smiling face.”  

There were the ‘little people’ - but they are humans as well and deserving of respect.  My philosophy says that ALL people are made in the image of God.  Not just the important people, but ALL people. 

Do you say ‘hi” to janitors, wait staff at restaurants, and to all people?  Try it - and if possible add some positive comments about appreciating them.

-6 Genuine People aren’t generally motivated by Material things

The article says,

“Genuine people don’t need shiny, fancy stuff in order to feel good. It’s not that they think it’s wrong to go out and buy the latest and greatest items to show off their status; they just don’t need to do this to be happy. Their happiness comes from within, as well as from the simpler pleasures—such as friends, family, and a sense of purpose—that make life rich.”

At age 72, I (finally) have realized that ‘stuff’ is ‘stuff’.  I have never seen a hearse on the way to the cemetery pulling a U-Haul trailer.  Yes, having enough money is important, but being excessively greedy is rarely a sign of a genuine person.

-7 Genuine people are trustworthy.  

Have you sensed that a person is trustworthy?  I have!!  I knew I could trust TF, LMG, CD, JM, BS, and so many others.  I could trust so many students.  But, there were some that loved making excuses “The dog ate my assignment”!!!  I had one student whose grandmother died TWICE during the semester (and, it was amazing - both times were at test times in my class!!).  

 That doesn’t mean that genuine people are boring.  We had a lot of fun and still got a lot done!!!  

-8 Genuine people are thick-skinned.

The article says,

“Genuine people have a strong enough sense of self that they don’t go around seeing offense that isn’t there. If somebody criticizes one of their ideas, they don’t treat this as a personal attack. There’s no need for them to jump to conclusions, feel insulted, and start plotting their revenge. They’re able to objectively evaluate negative and constructive feedback, accept what works, put it into practice, and leave the rest of it behind without developing hard feelings.”

Okay, I admit that I wasn’t thick-skinned.  When I got my student evaluations after the semester was over, I sometimes cried when I read a negative assessment.  I realize that I can’t reach 100% of the people, 100% of the time; but I wanted to!!!  I wanted to be the best - and 97% was just not enough!!!

Are you genuine?  Most of the time I am, but sometimes I fail and fall.  I am still a ‘work in progress!!

Tomorrow we will finish this series!!!

Hugs!!

Karen