The Human Element

In my current quest for employment with a professional services firm, the expression “people are our most important asset” comes to mind. Why then is this concept not better reflected in our daily relationships, in particular important relationships? It could largely be my perception, but I was recently disappointed where I felt that I was not valued as an important “asset”, but rather taken for granted. Conceit aside, I know I added value to the “situation” but felt little to no recognition.  Perhaps, people display appreciation differently, but behaviours such as negative comments vs. positive comments, frugality vs. generosity and self-absorbance vs. altruism can be viewed as indicators of relationship value. The lesson for me, being a driven, goal-oriented person, is to recognize the importance of the human element despite my pursuits, and how my actions may be perceived by others.