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The Risky Business of Being Sincere in Business - SW

By on June 19, 2015
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By Danielle LaPorte

I just moved the closing date of a major business deal for astrological reasons. Our lawyers had already dealt with a lot of back n’ forthing and a last minute twist/untwist. The finish line was in sight, but I was about to yank it. People might be understandably flummoxed. I could have made an excuse for the switch that sounded more, you know, biz legit….

But nothing is more legit than the truth, so I usually go with that.

“Dear Awesome Lawyer: I know this has been a protracted deal, but, guess what? It’s better to change the signing date for astrological reasons. Mercury retro-oh-oh and then the moon goes into Gemini. And I’m a Gemini. And so is the other signer. So please set it to June 15.” I’ll tell you how she responded in a minute.

Two guys bailed on meetings with me on the same day. One texted to say he was, “under emotional duress, apologies.” The other said he just “…really felt like staying in and having a lazy day, could he come by the next day?” and then he offered, “But if that’s not cool…” he’d “be right over.” (Context: these are stand up guys who always deliver for me.)

I loved that there was no BS about a flat tire, or food poisoning, or the stuff we make up because life is trumping work.

(And look, there are some meetings that you should get to even if your eyes are bleeding. But not many. Probably not any.)

The guys were being…human.

Transparent. Friendly. Real. Human. Legit.

It’s risky, for sure, but…

If we were all more human in our work communication, work would be more…humane.

Being incredibly professional AND being sincerely you — it’d be an evolutionary leap for a lot of us. But your soul is probably craving it.

“It just doesn’t feel right. I’ve got to follow my heart on this.”
“I’m in the middle of a break up, so I’m a bit distracted. I’ll get back to you tomorrow with a clear and incredible plan.”
“I looked my kid in the eye and promised him. I need to be there for him today.”
“I’m having a hard time keeping up with the volume, please don’t take it personally.”
“This idea came to me in a dream…”
“I’m truly, truly sorry.”
“I need a break or I’m going to burn out.”
“I prayed on this for a while and I’m being guided to…”

Transparent. Friendly. Real. Human. Legit.

Sincerity is a form of power.

Of course some people will lay judgements on you. Flakey. Hard ass. Too soft. Opportunistic. But really, how are you going to find your tribe if you don’t show your vibe?

Sincerity is magnetic and unifying. Understanding happens. Solutions arise that you couldn’t see when you were hiding out. We relate. And this: Trust is built. Precious, precious trust.

My lawyer rolled with my astro-motivated requests to move the deal date. “We’ll make this change free of charge… we thought the gesture would be more in line with the reasons for your date change.” Maybe she’s down with astrology.

Maybe she thinks I’m a flake and was being a professional. Maybe she just appreciated the human honesty. Either way, we know each other better now. And that’s the best outcome of being sincere.

 

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Danielle LaPorte is many things, not the least of which are: an author, truth speaker and most recently the creator of the Desire Map program. Get to know her better at daniellelaporte.com.

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