As my sister showed me around the Truman Suite at the Capital Hilton, she was critical and disappointed. It was outdated. The wallpaper was old, the furniture was circa 1950, and the room was dark.
She had even called to be transferred to a nicer suite as she and her husband would be entertaining in it for a week. In short, she was standing in a perspective of criticism and anger.
The night of the first open house, the assistant manager stopped by to share the history of the suite. He told us interesting details about Truman’s connection to the suite and the hotel. In fact, the former president had even lived in the suite for a brief period of time. Many of his artifacts are still present. The hotel had replicated the wallpaper that Bess Truman had selected and copied the dining room table from that era.
The pride this man expressed was incredible! He was enthusiastic about his company’s history and its role in WWII and our nation’s history. Immediately, my sister’s perspective shifted. In fact, she felt badly for having been critical.
When we exhibit pride, passion and enthusiasm for our organization or what we do, we attract others. We can change perceptions and influence outcomes (although not décor). Creating an atmosphere where these qualities flourish is imperative. Fostering collaboration, acknowledgement, empowerment and a common vision are excellent places to start. These qualities are never outdated!