I Earned

Handling people is never an easy task. We need to adapt to their culture, their thinking, their values.

Recently, I had difficulty dealing with one of my UTs. I wanted to get into a relationship with him as his facilitator but I just can't get his cooperation. I've been praying for him for days. Asking God to break the ice between us. We belong to one team so I need him to become a team player. Not play the game on his own. Even if he is the MVP.

So yesterday, as I had a comm session with him, as usual, I did the most effective way of correcting behaviour - the sandwich approach. Good -> Bad -> Good. Sandwich the bad things with good things. Before I discussed with him the areas on which he needs to improve on, I made a series of appreciation and good remarks on how well he performs. After that, I went to the most sensitive part. Letting him know his flaws. Very carefully, I told him his lapses. Subsequently, after saying all those, I ended the conversation by telling him how important he is in the team and how significant his role is in the entire Value Stream.

After the session, I can say that I finally earned his respect. Maybe because he realized that I care for him as his facilitator, that I did an effort to resolve the issues. Or maybe I made him realized his worth. Or maybe he felt good when I appraciated all his efforts. Whatever the reason was, I am glad that he is showing respect to me now. He's not attending meetings with long face anymore. He has become cooperative and proactive. And that made me say, "Thank you Lord!".

God is good! I call, He answers!