On the screen you see a
university professor giving a lecture. He is standing at
a lectern reading from formal notes. He is dressed in a
suit and tie. This professor is rated as more 'human'
than another professor who is wearing a sweater and hiking
boots, sitting with students around a table, and engaged in
open discussion. The differences between them were
subtle. The students mentioned the 'formal' lecturer
doing things like scratching his nose and wiping chalk on his
pants.
As humans we look for the
very small signs that we're dealing with another human
being. When we are confronted with an organizational
robot who shows no subtle imperfections, we withdraw and give
the smallest responses possible. When we see another
human being we open up to them.
The point is NOT to become a
sloppy dresser or to engage in offensive behaviors. In
fact, people respond best to others who remain human while at
the same time showing the respect they have for your position
and their own position. The point is to relax in your
organization position. Do not be afraid to let your
humanity show through.
