The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy

Chapter 27

Love Rules

As George walked toward his building he glanced at the sheet of paper Jack had given him that featured the five ways to love your passengers. The rules intrigued him so much that he stopped at the bench just outside the door, sat down, and began reading intently. If I’ve got the love to give, I need to start giving it today, he thought. So I better learn all I can right now. Here’s what George read. (Turn the page.)

FIVE WAYS TO LOVE YOUR PASSENGERS

1. Make Time for Them—When you love someone or something, you spend time with them. You nurture your relationship with them. You can’t nurture business relationships sitting at your desk, just as you can’t spend quality time with your spouse if you are watching television. So the key is to come out of your office and get to know your team. Spend time with them. Meet with them individually. Get to know them as people, not numbers. Just as you would tend to a garden, you need to cultivate your team with love. And while you are with them it is important to be present with them. Be engaged in the present moment. Don’t be thinking about 10 things you have to do that day or the 10 other people you need to meet with. Really be with that person and focus your energy on them. They will feel the difference.

2. Listen to Them—One of the most important factors that determines a high management approval rating is whether the ...