The Right Thing 101: Valuing, Appreciating, Trusting, Respecting, Understanding, and Avoiding Taking Advantage of Others

The Right Thing 101: Valuing, Appreciating, Trusting, Respecting, Understanding, and Avoiding Taking Advantage of Others

In John Maxwell's book, he outlines six principles that encompass what we all want as human beings. These principles are:

1. We want to be valued.
2. We want to be appreciated.
3. We want to be trusted.
4. We want to be respected.
5. We want to be understood.
6. We don't want others to take advantage of us.

These principles may seem simple, but they form the foundation of ethics and how we should treat one another. Valuing others, not for what they can do, but simply because they are human beings, is at the core of ethical behavior. When we appreciate others, we create an environment of gratitude and recognition. By thanking people at every opportunity and giving credit to others, we show them that they are valued and appreciated.

Trust is a crucial aspect of any relationship, and it is no different in a community setting. Henry L. Stinson once said, "The only way you can make a man trustworthy is by trusting him; and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him and show your distrust." Trusting others is essential in community management. When we trust others, we create an atmosphere of openness and collaboration.

Respect is another fundamental aspect of community management. As a leader, when you respect your community members, you give them the freedom to perform at their best. Respect also serves as an incentive for individuals to work with excellence. When people feel respected, they are more likely to contribute and participate actively in the community.

Understanding others is a key skill in community management. By extending ourselves and meeting others where they are, we show that we value their perspectives and experiences. It is crucial to put the burden of connecting on ourselves rather than expecting others to adapt to us. When we take the time to understand others, we build stronger relationships and foster a sense of belonging within the community.

Lastly, it is important to avoid taking advantage of others within a community. If our actions can be interpreted as taking advantage of someone, it is likely a bad idea. Taking advantage of others goes against the principles of valuing, appreciating, trusting, respecting, and understanding. It is essential to always act with integrity and consider the well-being of others in our community interactions.

Now that we have explored the principles of the right thing to do, let's delve into the concept of community management and why it is important.

Community management revolves around fostering connections between users. It involves intervening in relationships, whether it's creating new connections, maintaining existing ones, strengthening bonds, or reorganizing connections within the community. Communities can be classified along two axes: dynamic/static and purpose/emotional attachment. Additionally, communities can also be categorized based on interest, place, action, or practice.

The importance of community management stems from its similarities to customer success. Just as customer success is crucial for businesses, communities play a significant role in ensuring the success and satisfaction of users. Communities provide a space where knowledge can be shared and leveraged for learning and growth. Knowledge is not solely possessed by individuals but can be found within groups and environments. By tapping into the collective wisdom of a community, individuals can enhance their learning experiences.

In the business-to-business (B2B) purchasing process, referrals play a significant role. Research shows that 84% of B2B purchases begin with a referral. Moreover, 81% of buyers trust business advice from friends and family. This highlights the importance of communities in influencing business decisions and the power of word-of-mouth recommendations within these networks.

However, community contributions are not evenly distributed. The 1-9-90% rule illustrates that only 1% of community members are active contributors, 9% are occasional contributors, and 90% are passive consumers. Community managers need to be aware of this disparity and find ways to engage and encourage more active participation from their members.

Community decline can occur due to various factors. Fixed member composition, a deterioration of purpose or interests, and changes in the demographics of community members can all contribute to a decline in community engagement and vitality. It is crucial for community managers to stay vigilant and address these challenges to ensure the long-term success of their communities.

In conclusion, the principles outlined by John Maxwell align closely with the concepts of community management. Valuing, appreciating, trusting, respecting, understanding, and avoiding taking advantage of others are all fundamental to fostering strong and vibrant communities. To apply these principles effectively, community managers should:

1. Prioritize creating a culture of appreciation and recognition within the community. Thank people at every opportunity and give credit to others.

2. Foster a culture of trust by trusting community members and showing faith in their abilities and intentions. Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving community.

3. Strive to understand community members on a deeper level. Put the effort into connecting with others and meeting them where they are. By doing so, you demonstrate respect and create a stronger sense of belonging within the community.

By incorporating these actionable advice into their community management practices, managers can create an environment where individuals feel valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and free from being taken advantage of. Ultimately, these principles and practices contribute to the growth and success of communities, enhancing the experiences of all members involved.