Marcel Legros - Play the Game of Life

“A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter is not a nice person.” - Dave Barry

Do you know someone that fits this description? Be careful. This type of person is devious and manipulative. Here are the hallmark signs of Machiavellian behavior:

• They kiss your butt if they think you can help them achieve wealth, power, attention, or status. Think: gratuitous flattery.
• They belittle and intimidate you if they perceive you as a threat or obstacle to their success.
• If you can’t help them and aren’t a threat - they ignore you.

I often run into other salespeople that walk in the front door, ignore every employee, and head straight to the manager’s office for a business discussion. I cringe when I see this because it’s the worst thing you can do in business and in life. The guy washing dishes in the back should be just as important to you as the CEO of the company. It’s not about what that person can do for you or how much money they can put in your pocket. In fact, it’s not about you at all…

I remember, as a 19 year-old kid, working for an electrical wholesaler as a shipper/receiver. My job was to receive deliveries from the couriers, put away stock, and ship goods to other customers. I was hidden away in the back for most of the day. Every day, a few sales reps would stroll in and usually ignore me - most of them didn’t even know my name. There were a few who made an effort to get to know me and talk for a while on each visit. As years progressed, I was promoted several times. Suddenly the same reps who didn’t have the time of day to talk to a warehouse person were bending over backward for my attention and business. They were wasting their time. I was giving my business to the thoughtful reps who had helped me learn along the way.

Kissing up to the owner or manager while ignoring the ‘little people’ is a recipe for professional and personal disaster. It speaks volumes about your character and whether you know it or not, people notice. Respect and learn from everyone you meet as an equal. (Kissing up to your wife however, can greatly increase the quality of your life.)

I learn from my wife, son, work colleagues, as well as from store clerks, and perfect strangers. They’re all different but each person has a story and experience that is unique and valuable. These connections and experiences enrich our lives. When you show genuine human kindness and care for everyone equally you acquire true wealth and lasting success.