Do you think the worst of people?
A few weeks ago, an SDR wrote a post about a mistake he made.
He accidentally sent eight emails over eight days to a VP of Sales.
The VP of Sales, “James” was angry and pissed off.
Here’s how “James” responded:
“I am sick and tired of salespeople flooding my inbox with unsolicited emails. 8 emails in 8 days is unprofessional. Stop being so lazy. You will never be able to do business with our company. Take me off your list immediately.”
That’s a lot of confrontational energy.
Here’s the thing.
When you think the worst of people you’re going to be angry and pissed off all the time.
Why does this happen?
James is thinking the worst of the SDR because he sees the world through his lens.
So do you.
So does everyone.
Our ego is our default.
However there are always multiple lenses to view things from.
What if instead of reacting, James paused and asked himself this simple question, “What else might be true?”
That simple question, turns down the volume and gives you a rare opportunity to respond instead of react.
What else might be true?
Perhaps the SDR didn’t intententionaly send 8 emails over the course of 8 days. It’s possible (and likely) that he incorrectly scheduled the emails.
If James was able to switch lenses he might have responded like this:
“Hey Max, it looks like you might have set up your email automation incorrectly. I received 8 email in 8 days. No worries. It’s easy to flip the wrong switch sometimes.”
The takeaway?
Always giving people the benefit of the doubt makes you happy.
The opposite is also true.
Don’t think the worst of people.