Photo credit: h.koppdelaney

This past weekend, I got an urgent call from a close friend just after 6AM. Her young baby was running a high fever and she and her husband wanted to take her to the hospital. She asked if I could come over to watch over their older son while they were out. Of course, I was happy to come by and help.

On the way over to their home, which is just a couple of blocks away, it occurred to me how much of an honour it was they the call me. In the heat of the moment, they knew they could call on me to help. In short, they knew they could count on me. They could count on my being there.

The reason I wanted to share this with you isn’t to toot my own horn. It’s just that I realized how important it is in work and life for you to be there. I think being there is one of the most important things you can do in life. Given that fact, I thought it might be worthwhile giving the idea a little bit of airtime here on the blog.

Be There

“Be there” was one of the four core principles that the folks from the Pike Place Fish Market recommend for an awesome, productive work place as part of their FISH principles. If you’ve never heard of the FISH principles, take some time to check it out here.

The notion of “being there” is a little bit nebulous, I admit. That probably rubs a lot of engineers the wrong way. To my way of thinking, there are a few concrete things you can do to demonstrate that you’re there for your friends, family, and coworkers. 

• Take interest – I think the best way to be there for people is to demonstrate that you you’re interested in them. Ask questions about what’s going on in life, what they’re excited about, and what matters to them. More importantly, actually listen to the answers. This is a good sign that you care about more than just yourself.
• Be Consistent – Despite it being 6AM on a Saturday, my friend knew she could call me. She knew I was a morning person, and she knew that an existing offer to help her with the kids in times of need. Consistency in your life, even in things as simple as when you wake up in the morning can dramatically improve your reliability and your ability to be there for people.
• Be Happy – I think it’s important to chose your mood. Who’s going to feel like they can call on you if you’re only going to do it begrudgingly ? Nobody. If you’re unapproachable because of your demeanour, then it doesn’t matter how interested or willing you are to pitch in during times of need.

What do you think?

What things would you suggest people do to be there for people? Let us know in the comments section below.