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Understanding Partners: What Do They Want?

It may be somewhat true that it is want, not love, that makes the world go ‘round. As human needs are basic and fairly simple, it is the want that adds kick to life, as we know it—and much is the same in business.

The need to earn a living is in every employee’s mind. Their salaries cover the essentials that make their living comfortable and worthwhile. But being able to get their wants allow them to enjoy life to the fullest. However, a person’s wants aren’t easy to predict; it is as multi-faceted as the person who carries them—and every entrepreneur should know this for a business to succeed.

Businesses revolve not only around the entrepreneur; an integral factor for its success lies in its dedicated partners—the employees. Satisfied employees not only become a productive workforce, but also set their hearts and minds on what is best for the company.

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Editor's Take

Picture this scenario. In the Philippines, most companies do practice or hire applicants who exhibit high IQ or intelligence quotient as opposed to EQ or emotional intelligence. 

If you were a business owner and needed to fill a company position involving a lot of work pressure, would you consider someone who scored high in the IQ exam? Would you risk bringing in someone with the competencies but lacking a deeper understanding of relationships and work-related dynamics? 

* * * * 

Once upon a time there was a farmer who was looking for a good farm manager. The first applicant came in and presented his impressive credentials. Right away the farmer asked what he would do if there happened to be a pebble in his shoe. The first applicant said he wouldn’t bother with it and just get on with the job then proceeded to impress the farmer with his extensive knowledge of hydroponics. 

The farmer met the second applicant, who was a young guy with a fancy management degree. Asked the same question about the pebble, the second applicant thought a bit and said he could endure the minor predicament. Then he and the farmer chatted about the future of bio-fuel farming until the cows came home. 

Undecided, the farmer went on to pose the same question to the third applicant, who didn’t get a degree from one of those fancy business schools but certainly had spent a lot of time working on farms and getting along with country folk in between school terms. Being a practical fellow, the third applicant grinned: “I wouldn’t be comfortable on the job with a pebble in my shoe. Why I’d remove it right away!” 

“You’re hired,” said the farmer. 

* * * * 

The farmer’s story illustrates the importance of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, according to David Wechsler is “the aggregate or global capacity of the individual to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment.” 

I, too, would have hired the third applicant, who rather than play safe or try to make an impression on the farmer who was able to deal with a problem right away. Only someone who could perceive the pain and hassle of working with a pebble in one’s shoe would truly understand how to run a business effectively and produce greater yields. 

Technical expertise is necessary, but more effective when balanced with the greater ability to handle frustration, rein in emotions and get along with people. 

The best people are not the ones out for the fame or the money. While returns and recognition are important, these are only stepping stones to self-fulfillment. What really keeps them going is the passion for the trade or craft, personal dignity and a sense of relevance in the community.

Post Script: Images taken from Time Magazine: October 2, 1995, Volume 146, No. 14

Related Article:
The EQ Factor: New brain research suggests that emotions, not IQ, may be the true measure of human intelligence by Nancy Gibbs

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