by Michael Angier

Recently, I heard the president of a company say, "It's not personal, it's just business." The phrase had about the same warmth and comfort as when it was uttered in "The Godfather" -- right after someone was killed.

Business is all about relationships and relationships ARE personal. To dismiss the importance of personal relationships with the excuse that it's "just business" is usually a cop-out.

It's old-school and it lacks integrity.

Of course, there are times when we have to make difficult business decisions which adversely affect people. But we're far better off to acknowledge that it's personal.

A World Class Business demands close working relationships. They don't have to be super-intimate, but they do have to be honest and open.

Some people are reluctant to have close relationships with subordinates or supervisors in order to avoid uncomfortable and/or painful situations. But I think a world class company is one that makes the tough decisions fully cognizant of how business decisions affect people. It's ALL personal.

When I heard that CEO say "It's not personal, it's business," it was a good indicator of how little she valued good relationships. She may have believed she could separate business from friendship, but I don't think most people can -- or should.

A company's bottom line is determined by its FRONT line. People are the most valuable assets, and good stewardship requires that we treat every single person as just that -- a PERSON. They're not a commodity, regardless of the fact that many companies treat them as such.

Yes, it IS personal -- it's business. And in my opinion, it should be.

Michael Angier is the author of "101 Best Ways to Get Ahead" and the CIO (Chief Inspiration Officer) of SuccessNet.org. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best -- personally and professionally. http://www.SuccessNet.org

Commit to developing and nurturing good relationships with everyone in your company. Take a genuine interest in them, and you'll find them doing likewise. Enemies never help you -- friends do. Don't let your judgments of anyone stand in the way of your own, or your organization's success.

And remember, people don't care how much you know unless they know how much you care.

May 19, 2005
Pounce on a Project for May

Last month the focus of our call was decluttering our work area and cleaning off our desks. What project would you like to get on top of and accomplish this month? As a participant last month said, "It's not rocket science . . . just schedule the time, stay focused, get support and JUST DO IT!" Join us in Pounce on a Project to complete the project(s) that will result in the biggest positive impact on your life or business.

Join Coach Andrea on Thursday, May 19th, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Eastern. We will join as a group by phone and declare what you want to accomplish: putting together a new marketing piece, finishing that client project, backing up your computer before you buy a new one, making those cold calls, organizing your office, simplifying your filing system, or cleaning under your bed.

During the morning, the group will gather by phone a few times to check progress and get any support needed to finish with a bang. At noon, the group will celebrate their accomplishments. Who says projects have to be boring and tedious? Bring your lightness and fun and join us for the energization.

To sign up or learn more, call or e-mail Andrea by noon on May 18th. Feel free to share this with friends and co-workers, the more the merrier. (Cost of the program is only the cost of long distance phone calls.)

Coach Andrea's Coaching Tip of the Week is brought to you by Andrea Novakowski, Master Certified Coach who provides Business and Personal Coaching to Corporations, Businesses, and Individuals. Andrea is a professional coach who partners with people to set goals and create momentum to produce effective results in their business and/or personal lives.

Andrea is available for individual coaching. If you are serious about reaching your goals and living with greater fulfillment and satisfaction, consider using a coach. To schedule a COMPLIMENTARY initial consultation, send an e-mail to Andrea at
andrea@coachandrea.com.

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