Why do people love Halloween? The sweet candy, fanciful costumes and suspense of a good scare top the list.
Some people simply love being creeped out. It’s spooktacular!
In the spirit of Halloween, let’s consider where being creepy can actually be a good thing. Whether you’re in HR or a people leader position, sometimes the best treat you can give is to be a little creepy.
Good Creepy
Being called creepy is one of the greatest compliments I have ever received, and now, it is my professional mission because being creepy means you are a good business partner and employee advocate. Allow me to explain…
This memorable compliment came at the end of a leadership training that the participant found very practical and timely. What he learned was exactly what he needed. My attempt at designing a scenario-driven course that would feel “ripped from the headlines” of recent workplace happenings and trends in employee relation cases came to fruition. The leader spoke of recent issues he stumbled through, ones he knows his peers were living out and others he knew were brewing on his team. Thanks to this development opportunity, he now knew how to better address them. Sensing his needs and delivering personalized solutions made me “creepy.” This word is now a beloved badge of honor.
Good Creepy
Well-timed, personalized solutions that address fears and insecurities discovered through fostering strong relationships and honing business acumen constitute “good creepy.” Seize the chance when it presents itself:
Read their minds: Anticipate needs before they become issues
See beyond the mask: Know them better than they know themselves
Be sour then sweet: Coach and communicate with courage
Be a costume designer: Help them be who they aspire to be
Stand guard on Mischief Night: Know what is brewing and plan accordingly
Welcome warts and all: Acknowledge weaknesses and address them
Happy haunting: Don’t be a distant stranger, but a friendly Casper
To the Point
The good kind of creepy is a treat to be savored all year around.
Image sources:
GIF courtesy of Wix
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