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Almost immediately after a previous article of mine posted, I received an email that made me realize that in addition to thinking human, we need to be human. What does this mean? Here is how I came to this idea.
A creator who attended an event I produced asked for video that was taken specifically of them. This is a big ask as media assets are created and sent to all, rather than curated for individuals. Even though we sent out a link where what was curated was downloaded, they wanted more. In their notes were editing comments, direction, etc.
I was curious as to why.
The response of this creator — to ask for specific video — was honest and fresh from someone who is starting their career versus decades in. I shared the company mandate, “to be fair to all creators,” and let them know they could download, edit and use any of their likenesses on the media assets link we sent out.
They had a hard time understanding this so I shared my previous article to help put things into perspective.
They were being hard on themselves in terms of their likeness in the video assets shared, so I decided to be human and tell them the positive things I remembered interspersed with what they were saying:
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
“Both of you were great guests. Fun, engaging, showed respect for the process, looked gorgeous, etc. You did nothing wrong in the interviews. The initial idea was to have each question edited so they could stand alone. But because you want to grow as a human, even though you didn’t do anything wrong, here are the files I have quickly at my fingertips uploaded on a shared folder here (link redacted) so you can edit your version.”
It came to light that someone had said something to them after watching this, so again I took the “be human” idea and shared that they shouldn’t be so hard on themselves. It is how you feel about yourself that matters — not how anyone else feels, Who asked their opinion anyway? Not me.
I hear people say not nice things about me and I say to the person telling me that it is most likely because they demanded something I would not give them/do for them or because they were not accepted into the festival. I listen to what is say, but that is telling me that person is not in a good place and taking it out on me and most likely others. I focus on how I can be better so the world is better.
I know it is hard to have deeply personal communication with every email/text you need to respond to. I am more aware of this idea of being human so I do add a little something I would not have before. Sharing sentiments such as “Happy Friday,” “Have a great day” or “Good to hear from you” have a better impact than just responding. It may be simple, but it is important.
Think about it. When we think human and be human, it helps humanity in ways we may not think of. I would keep the words of Warren Buffett in mind, as well, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
