Why How You Treat People Matters More Than You Think

Angela Merkel was in the fight of her political life.

As the Chancellor of Germany in 2018, she was leading a political campaign to help her party choose her successor. This was no time to be gone. Her absence would allow the opposition to score points at her expense. So she was in Germany, strategizing and campaigning in an effort to help her party stay in power.

But life has a way of interrupting even the best-laid plans.

On November 30, 2018, former President George H.W. Bush died.

Merkel knew she had to attend the funeral. Even if it cost her party politically, she had to be in Washington.

Why?

There was nothing for her to gain by going. Her political time would be better spent in Germany.

But this decision wasn’t political. It was personal.

Author Peggy Noonan picks up the story: “...when she heard of Bush’s death, she said she had to come to Washington. She told reporters that without Bush she “would hardly be standing here.” She had grown up in East Germany.

There was something else. She had told Bob Kimmitt, a former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, that Bush had treated her “like a somebody when I was not.” Meeting with the obscure junior minister in the Oval Office in 1991, the President treated the young woman with great personal and professional respect. And so there she was this week, because history is human and how you treat people matters.” (pg. 29, “A Certain Idea of America” by Peggy Noonan)

That’s a powerful story with an even more powerful truth.

How a leader treats people matters.

Merkel had nothing to offer Bush in 1991. She was a junior minister in the German government. But her position or power didn’t matter to Bush. It was the simple fact that she was a human being—and, in his eyes, that gave her value.

Beyond that, Merkel never forgot what Bush did for her. By seeing her, giving her time, and investing in her, she went on to become Chancellor of Germany. So here she was in D.C. for the funeral of a man who treated her with decency and respect.

As a leader, how you treat people leaves an impression.

Be intentional in how you interact with others—even those who can give you nothing in return. As a leader, you’ll meet thousands of people who cannot help you achieve your goals. But still treat them with respect and kindness. Give them your undivided attention. Never be too busy to say hello and learn their name.

The few minutes you give someone may inspire them to pursue a dream, start a company, or give them the confidence to take the next step in a bold venture.

Leaders are never above those on the streets, even when they’re looking down from their corner office.

We’re all just people.

People, full of hopes and insecurities.
People who will choose paths that lead to success—or to failure.

As leaders, see the people standing in front of you.

Offer a word of belief and encouragement.

Your brief time with someone—and your words—could inspire a life that goes on to impact a nation or even the world.

Who will be your Merkel?

Leaders see people.

Intersecting life, luxury and leadership,
Chris Adams

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