Creating Goodwill at Home
Last week we looked at the impact of "The customer is always right." We tend to think of that phrase as only applying to business. But in our personal life, there is sometimes a cost to being "right" in relationships.
Imagine how your interactions with family and friends would change if you implemented "The customer is always right." Imagine your spouse's or child's delight as you treated him/her as a customer!
I live with four children and a husband. Days can be fraught with battles. I once had a wise friend share, "Before you enter into a battle, you have to decide if that is a hill you are willing to die on. If it isn't, don't start the fight."
In other words, I have to decide if proving my "rightness" on a matter is worth more than my good standing in that relationship. I've learned that I can be right, and still be wrong. If I disagree with my spouse or child (or friend), I don't have to prove I am right. Proving I am right at the expense of their honor is too high a price to pay. It is okay for them to walk away thinking they were right.
An added benefit: there have been situations when time has shown they were indeed right, and I've saved face by keeping my mouth shut!
Whether at work or at home, creating goodwill is much easier when you first carefully consider what you want to accomplish.