5 Keys to Getting Results From People Not Like You

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5 Keys to Getting Results From People Not Like You

By Martin Zwilling | Inc Magazine | June 12, 2024

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One thing is certain in any business — not everyone you have to deal with will be like you, or will like you (and vice versa). These people may include one of your business partners, an investor, a key vendor, or even one of your best customers.  Business professionals must bridge these differences to accomplish shared business goals.  

Some of these challenges addressed directly in How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You, by Kelly McDonald, a well-known marketing and communications expert who specializes in multicultural and diversity marketing. She offers a set of strategies and tools for communicating across cultural and other barriers, including people you don’t like:

1. Understand that they’re not trying to be difficult. Most people you have to deal with in starting and running a business are just being who they are. They are behaving the way they were socialized — the sum of how they were raised, cultural influences, and the dynamics of previous roles. Don’t let your emotions or theirs impede communication.
2. Don’t try to change them.Be civil and diplomatic. People can change themselves, but you can’t change them. Whatever their demeanor is toward you (or your business), remain positive and professional, and treat the other person with courtesy and respect. Do not allow tension to escalate, and your blood pressure and sanity will thank you for it.
3. Adjust your expectations that everyone thinks like you. Business people come from different backgrounds and experiences, so don’t expect their behavior and opinions to always mesh with yours. Accept that there are very few absolute rights and wrongs in business, so expect different viewpoints, and don’t allow anyone to push your buttons.
4. Focus on the business at hand and getting results. You are there to do a job, and so are they. Successful work relationships don’t have to be rooted in liking each other. Focus on the outcome you are seeking and what you and your counterpart need to do to get there. Success is about cooperation, respect, solving problems, and working together.
5. Agree to disagree without being judgmental. Saying “I see it differently” is neither judgmental nor combative, and it doesn’t mean you are trying to “win the argument” or persuade the other person to change their opinion. It diffuses tension and can lead to constructive conversation that allows you and your peers to work together productively.

2 key takeaways from the article

1. One thing is certain in any business — not everyone you have to deal with will be like you, or will like you (and vice versa). These people may include one of your business partners, an investor, a key vendor, or even one of your best customers.  Business professionals must bridge these differences to accomplish shared business goals.  
2. Some of these challenges addressed directly in How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You, by Kelly McDonald, a well-known marketing and communications expert who specializes in multicultural and diversity marketing. She offers a set of strategies and tools for communicating across cultural and other barriers, including people you don’t like: understand that they’re not trying to be difficult, don’t try to change them, adjust your expectations that everyone thinks like you, focus on the business at hand and getting results, agree to disagree without being judgmental.

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Topics:  Startups, Organizational Behavior, Entrepreneurship, Organizational Culture, Teams