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Not sure whether to take that client? Here’s a great test from Milton Glaser he uses to avoid toxic people:
[T]here is a test to determine whether someone is toxic or nourishing in your relationship with them. Here is the test: You have spent some time with this person, either you have a drink or go for dinner or you go to a ball game. It doesn’t matter very much but at the end of that time you observe whether you are more energised or less energised. Whether you are tired or whether you are exhilarated. If you are more tired then you have been poisoned. If you have more energy you have been nourished. The test is almost infallible and I suggest that you use it for the rest of your life.
Perhaps something to think about after every initial consultation?
(via Kareem Mayan’s Weblog)
Very interesting and I tend to agree with you. However, I’m an extrovert which I’ve heard defined as being someone that gets energy from being with other people.
I’ve heard the converse is true of introverts. They feel worn out by interactions with others regardless of the nature of the other people.
My wife’s an introvert and she’s exhausted after social interaction (even with her very best friends).
Maybe this theory only works for extroverts. It certainly works for me and I’ll be applying it to initial consultations going forward.
Thanks.
Lee Rosen
Yeah, I’m an introvert, and I can confirm that this test won’t work with me. What can work, for introverts, is to gauge the degree to which you are drained by the experience. Some people are still more draining than others.
I think this test would work great for extroverts. As others pointed out, however, I’m not so sure it would work well for introverts. I’m very introverted and need “recharging” after almost every encounter. I still have a sense about potential clients…I have found that I tend to work better with clients who are a little less energetic, more on an even keel, like me.