I Talk About People Behind Their Back

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I don’t gossip or finger-point.

I don’t assign blame or give putdowns.

I don’t accuse or assume faults. No, I don’t.

But I do talk about people behind their back.

I don’t spy on them, but I do pay attention.

I see what they’ve been doing.

I notice. I observe. I take notes.

I remember.

I talk about people behind their back.

They may not know it, but I do.

And I try to do it often. Whether it’s needed or not.

I didn’t do it enough during my younger management years.

But I’ve tried to do it more now.

I talk about people behind their back.

I talk about their strengths.

I talk about their willingness to help.

I talk about how they’ve grown into their position.

I talk about how they deserve more money.

I talk about how they’ve become someone I can count on.

Yes, I do. I talk about them behind their back.

And I talk about you too. And her.

I talk about how you’ve helped me train the newbies.

I talk about how others look toward you for support and how you give it.

I talk about your smile and how you make our customers feel.

I talk about how well you take constructive criticism and will do it better next time.

I talk about all the nice comment cards that mention your name.

I talk about the confidence I have in you.

I talk about you behind your back.

I’m not ashamed of it. No, I’m not.

I do it freely. And I’ll keep doing it.

I will. I promise.

I talk about how you stay a few minutes longer to tie up any loose ends.

I talk about how you anticipate my questions and are ready with an answer.

I talk about all the times you’ve picked up a shift at the last minute, and how that saved the day.

I talk about your sense of humor and how it helps during those busy and challenging days.

I talk about the time you were the only one who came into work during that snowstorm.

I talk about how I’ve can see you in a future leadership role.

I talk about you behind your back.

Too few people talk about others.

Why?

Because they’re thoughtless?

Because they’re selfish?

Because they’re afraid of sharing the spotlight?

Because they’re not confident enough in their abilities?

Maybe.

Probably.

I bet that’s it.

Well, I don’t care.

I’ll talk about you behind your back.

And I talk about you to the people who matter.

I talk about you to those in a position of influence and with the ability to make things happen.

I want to set you up for success.

Your hard work has helped set me up.

Now it’s time to return the “favor.”

But it’s not a favor.

It’s the right thing to do.

Imagine if one or two others did this for you when you were younger?

Would that have made a difference to you?

Where would you be now?

How would your career be different?

How would your life be different?

Think about that.

I talk about people.

Who do YOU talk about?

Republished with author's permission from original post.

Steve DiGioia
Steve uses his 20+ years of experience in the hospitality industry to help companies and their employees improve service, increase morale and provide the experience their customers' desire. Author of "Earn More Tips On Your Very Next Shift...Even If You're a Bad Waiter" and named an "ICMI Top 50 Customer Service Thought Leader" and a "Top Customer Service Influencer" by CCW Digital, Steve continues his original customer service, leadership and management-based writings on his popular blog.

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