#90 Expect the Best of People
Frances Hesselbein, the amazing woman who led the turnaround of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and whom we wrote about in Fired Up or Burned Out, once told me that her mindset was to always expect the best in others. A mindset or attitude of expecting the best in others helps you connect with them.
Byron Wien, respected market analyst and vice chairman of Blackstone, echoed the sentiment in a blog post on lessons he learned throughout his career.
“When you meet someone new, treat that person as a friend. Assume he or she is a winner and will become a positive force in your life. Most people wait for others to prove their value. Give them the benefit of the doubt from the start. Occasionally you will be disappointed, but your network will broaden rapidly if you follow this path.”
This is the ninetieth post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.
