Making an Impression Vs. Being Impressed

Admired for her beauty, Jennie Jerome (Winston Churchill’s mother) glided through the loftiest social circles in Great Britain. Once, on consecutive nights, Ms. Jerome dined with England’s premier politicians: Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and his chief rival, William Gladstone. When questioned about her impressions of the two men, Ms. Jerome made the following observation:

“When I left the dining room after sitting next to Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England. But when I sat next to Disraeli I left feeling that I was the cleverest woman.”

Perhaps you know leaders like Gladstone-confident individuals who exude wit, intelligence, and charisma. Whenever you’re around them, you cannot help but notice their charm…because they make every effort to parade their brilliance in front of you. However, I’ll wager that you’d prefer to follow someone like Disraeli, a leader who would rather draw out the best in you than strut his or her personal greatness.

In relationships, be impressed with others instead of trying to make an impression. Throttle back on the urge to make your presence felt, and instead look for ways to esteem those around you. By expressing genuine interest in the people in your life, you’ll win friends and gain favor.

The 30-Second Rule

I’ve developed a simple rule in relationships to help me shift away from a selfish vantage point. Within the first 30 seconds of a conversation, I say something encouraging to the other person. Giving out compliments focuses me on the value of the other person and prevents me from being self-absorbed. Here are a few principles I’ve found helpful in following the 30-second rule:

1) Give Others the “Triple A” Treatment:  
o Attention
o Affirmation
o Appreciation

Gossips speak endlessly about others, and bores talk only of themselves. A brilliant conversationalist is someone who speaks to you about yourself. These thoughtful persons attract friends and reap the benefits of likeability.

2) Remember that the 30-Second Rule Gives Energy

People are energized and motivated when their leaders value them for who they are. On the other hand, they quickly disengage when they feel anonymous. Speaking encouraging words does wonders for a leader when it comes to inspiring a team and earning its loyalty.

3) Practicing the 30-Second Rule Positions You for Success with People

Benjamin Franklin realized this truth when he wrote the following note to John Paul Jones:

“Hereafter, if you should observe an occasion to give your officers and friends a little more praise than is their due, and confess more fault than you can justly be charged with, you will only become the sooner for it, a great captain. Criticizing and censuring almost everyone you have to do with will diminish friends, increase enemies, and thereby hurt your affairs.”

When we add to others, they are drawn to our side, but when we belittle others, they withdraw from our influence.

4) Spend Time Creating an Encouraging Thought for Everyone You Know.

Before I meet with people, I pause to think about something encouraging I can say to them. This practice isn’t complicated, but it does take some time, intentionality, and discipline. And the reward for practicing it is huge.

SUMMARY
Too many people, when in the presence of others, search for ways to make themselves look good. The key to the 30-Second Rule is reversing this practice. When spending time with people, search for ways to make them look good. Doing so uplifts them and ultimately raises their opinion of you as well.