"When the oxygen masks come down, put your own mask on before attempting to help those around you." The expectation is that in an environment either filled with smoke or lacking oxygen, your performance as a viable human will suffer. (you’ll likely pass out and die)
Meaning: You’re no good to anyone if you don’t have your own act together. Put the mask on first, and then help your fellow human.
Business owners can apply this same rule to their employee relations and customer service.
- Don’t expect your customers to provide referrals or word of mouth unless your employees and your products are exceeding expectations. Give them the pure oxygen of delight.
- Don’t expect your employees to provide delight to your customers unless their own needs are being met. Give the the pure oxygen of caring.
- Don’t expect yourself to care for your employees or your products if you’re not caring for yourself. Give yourself the pure oxygen of self-improvement. Read a book, take a walk, spend time with the people you care about.
Put on your mask. Breathe deeply. Now, help someone else find their own mask.
