I’ve been thinking a lot about client relations recently.
This is probably due to the fact that I’ve had more than a couple FAILS in the last few weeks that have reminded me that my super-awesome-skills prove nothing (and accomplish nothing) if I can’t work with the people well and effectively.
It made me wonder if people and the surrounding ministries even like me (and my web team). I wonder, honestly, what the perception actually is?
I’m sure of all things that they appreciate us but I believe this to be fundamentally different than actually enjoying the relationship of working with us. I know that as “tech” people we can be very isolationist and separated.
And I definitely know that it’s not the size of brain pans that separate us (because I work with some freaking bright people!).
How are you, or your web team, building successful relationships with the rest of your ministry? What is their perception and attitude toward you and your specific organization? Do they think of roses and butterflies or something contrary?
And on one more final note, I personally believe that they have to ‘like’ you before they can actually ‘trust’ you to do good work. Tell me different, but I’ve found this to be true.
[Image from Pen]
Nice reminder, John.
Where I grew up, our pastor used to say, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Knowledge for knowledge's sake is worthless. If there's not any love behind your work towards the client, it isn't going to work well. See <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+cor+13">1 Corinthians 13 (emphasis on 13:1-7).
definitely! love that.
We don't quite have a web team. *tear*
But when we do, I hope they like us.
tear. puaha.
I would hope that everyone in my office likes me. I know I can come off as a little arrogant sometimes when I'm telling a staff member for the 50th time how to login to Google Apps… I like working with people that are willing to learn and grow. I have no patience for people who choose to not embrace something that has been deemed a better solution by the "management".
I need more patience with people… then maybe they'll like me better.
patience. whats that?
ugg… John… I really don't have time to explain it to you.
yeah. i know. i'll google it.
"And on one more final note, I personally believe that they have to ‘like’ you before they can actually ‘trust’ you to do good work."
Agreed.
i agree with your agreement on what i said.
I concur with the agreeing on the agreement in aggreance on what was said.
Thank you for the acknowledgement that I have added nothing to this conversation.
Everyone may now go about their business.
ha
You are absolutely correct. I worked as a tech support guy for a seminary for 6 years before entering Pastorate 2 years ago. I am learning to treat people as humans not as machines…
machines > humans.
just kidding.
you're a good example of why i recommend a lot of people to work in the marketplace before coming to ministry.
This post has much greater application than just web team – tech. A friend of mine says "Character trumps Competence," meaning that who we are and what people think of us (based on how we act) ultimately carries more weight than how skilled we are at something. For me, I'd much rather have someone on my team with "good" skilz rather then "great" if I was getting a better person in the good. People do biz with people they like. I try to make that job #1 with my clients… The Art of Woo.
definitely agree here daniel. character lasts longer too.
are we still calling the web-team, nerds or geeks?