- A weblog by InetSolution
People & Resources
By Jason Sherrill
Posted on Mar 27, 2009
Too often business people use the term "resource' to describe a human being. "Do we have any resources available for this project?" or "I need a resource with SEO expertise" put people on the same level as electricity, CPU cycles and bandwidth. I believe it makes people feel like a commodity and diminishes their indviduality. Dale Carnegie said "If you want to win friends, make it a point to remember them. If you remember my name, you pay me a subtle compliment; you indicate that I have made an impression on you. Remember my name and you add to my feeling of importance." He also said, "A person's name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language."
I love the unique talents, personality and perspectives that each person I work with brings to this organization. Donovan's creative flaire has much more value here than a CPU cycle, and Justin's gift for software design is far more useful than a 1000Mbps of bandwith. Give me Karen's ability to show her genuine care and willingness to help clients over a blazing fast server any day, while Erin's attention to detail can't be replaced by a billion watts of electricity. And Mac, Mr. Idea Man himself, somebody please tell me what piece of equipment can replace the enthusiasm he brings to championing an idea? Somehow I don't think any of these ridiculously talented human beings would feel quite as valued if I just labeled them as "resources."
People who feel important almost always contribute more ideas, put more heart into their work, have more fun while working and a take better care of customers. A sure fire way (speaking from experience, I've been on the giving and receiving end) to damage a relationship, business or personal, is to make people feel unimportant.
Granted, just using someone's name isn't a silver bullet, but it's certainly a step in the right direction.
P.S. If someone's mother named him Resource, then by all means, call him Resource, but be sure to capitalize his name.
Comments
What a great and poignant article Jason. In these days of ever-increasing automation, it is important to remember and embrace the human factor. So often I see examples of this in project discussions - we need *this* resource or *that* line item. Treating people like people instead of machines or commodities isn't just good business sense, it's the right thing to do. Bravo - I couldn't have said it better myself!
By Jeff Mayer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://turnleft.inetsolution.com/nav-commenters.gif)
Posted on Apr 1, 2009