Lesson 6: The Person is More Important Than The Task

A friend of mine recently told me a rather disappointing story. They have been going through health issues for several months and recently found out that they needed surgery. This person has been very straight forward with their employer about doctors appointments and the potential for surgery. They recently went to their boss to notify them about the bad news. Instead of offering any condolences or showing any concern for this individual as a person, their employer stated that they needed to "talk" about when this person could have surgery and what would be "best for the team."

We have to remember that people are more important than any project, job, recognition, or task that needs to be performed.  How often do you listen with your mouth rather than your ears? How much do you know about the others around you? When was the last time that you said thank you? Each time we consider the task more important than the person, we begin to push others away.

How do you think this inconsiderate response made my friend feel? Unfortunately, it communicated that the job was more important than the health and well-being of the person. It has prompted my friend to start updating their resume. If you are communicating that the job is more important than the individual, you are likely to lose talented people - just like my friend.