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The Jellybeans
Copyright ©
All rights reserved
By Tanya Chisholm
Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.
One day
a Yellow Jellybean was walking down the street and saw two Red Jellybeans
approaching. As he got closer he asked, “How are the Cherry’s doing today?”
There was only silence.
“Excuse
me, did you hear me speaking? I said, “How are the Cherry’s doing today?”
“Yes we
heard you,” replied the Red Jellybeans, “But we are not the Cherry’s.”
“Well,
you both are Red and I assumed that you were the Cherry’s,” responded Mr.
Yellow Jellybean with a puzzled expression.
“No,”
said the Red Jellybeans, “We are the Strawberry’s, but it’s nice to meet
you, Mr. Lemon.”
Amused
by the assumptions they had both made, Mr. Yellow Jellybean replied, “I’m
not Mr. Lemon…I’m Mr. Banana!”
We need to understand each other and communicate
well, because we all work and live together in the same world. We have to
recognize that no one person can represent an entire group because great
variations exist within all groups. Each of us has the power to not only
create a better workplace, but a better world by reaching out across
differences.
Jellybeans are just like people: you cannot determine what is
on the inside by simply looking at the outside. These beans remind us to
experience people one at a time and enjoy their unique qualities. Everyone
has something to contribute. We need to ask for their ideas and opinions.
“We need to seek to fully understand each other before seeking to be
understood.” What’s right for one person may not be right for another. Is
this wrong? “No.” We all have strengths and weaknesses. By learning more
about each other’s personality, we can better understand their strengths and
weaknesses. We all want to be appreciated. Being appreciated and
complimented affirms our value. When employees feel valued, they feel
needed. As a leader, demonstrate that you value and appreciate the unique
characteristics of every employee. Let your people know right now… “I
really do appreciate you and your hard work.” After all, if I take the time
to know my employees, I won’t have to “guess” who they are!
For more information about
Ken Chapman and Associates’ Leadership Development Programs, contact Ken
Chapman at 205.366.0265 or email Ken at
kchapman@leaderscode.com.
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