Give others a reputation to live up to

6. Give others a reputation to live up to.

Speak to people’s potential, what they can be. First, have a high opinion of people. People will perform consistently with what you expect them to do. If you expect them to fail and disappoint you, they will; if you expect them to succeed they will. Second, back up your high opinions of others with action; put your money where your mouth is. Third, forget their past and give them reputations for their future. Fourth, give people new names that speak to their potential.

To apply this principle: Forget what the person has done in the past and look to his future potential. Ask what is unique, special and wonderful about this person and what can I do to show him. Back up your words with action.


From: 25 Ways to Win with People, by John Maxwell and Les Parrott.