We all do it. We tell someone something they want to hear in order to make them happy.
Here are some examples:
- Saying, “I’ll get back to you” and then not scheduling the appointment
- Agreeing when you disagree
- Being “too nice” to argue
Appeasing is a form of people pleasing; telling someone what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. While appeasing makes people feel good in the moment, over the long run appeasing breaks trust.
What to do instead: Make your word golden. Check yourself to see if you’re in the habit of being agreeable just to avoid the messiness of conflict. Be willing to stay in conversations that are uncomfortable. It’s more important that your employees respect you than trying to be seen as their best friend.
