I refuse to buy into the belief that successful business people are always practical and always let themselves be guided by their head and NOT their heart. In fact, I think that while realism is a good thing in the business world, not to mention necessary—I definitely think there is a place for some heart and emotion in any business.
Like all things in life, of course, it comes down to balance. Too much of anything can’t be good—isn’t that how the saying goes? Too much realism and emotionless business dealing can make a person cold-hearted and turn off customers and prospects; while too much emotion and “heart” can also turn off customers (they may think we are unable to be competitive and practical.) We have to find a way to foster and utilize both our hearts and our heads.
One of the things I learned from a business mentor years ago is that, when in doubt, go for fairness. I’ve always found this helpful because sometimes it can be confusing trying to figure out what is good for the business and good for the customer (it isn’t always apparent). BUT, by going with what is or seems fair, a business owner can usually do the right thing and proceed with a clean conscience.
The truth is, people respond well to those who are both business-minded and in touch with their more sensitive side. It’s the same with anyone in a leadership or authority position—we want to know that they can both handle the nitty gritty details of things, and understand human motivations. People with both traits seem more capable and grounded. So, as you build your business reputation, fostering a balance between heart, head, fairness and profit will help you grow your customer base and your bottom line.
See Also: Start With Something Pleasant
Making Business Changes Painlessly