Everybody is a robot. Let me explain. Every individual has their own set of instructions which they have been sub-consciously creating since they were born. At a certain point early in their lives their behaviour (mode of operation) becomes consistent. People who know them are used to them and their characteristics.
The core program is probably embedded from around the age of seven. This core may never change but your programmed responses can change. You can learn to make different choices to your responses.
It is easy to test out this robot theory. Try acting completely different with someone you know well and watch their reaction. They are used to you the way you were and when you change it can be uncomfortable for them. Until you become comfortable with the change, you also can be uncomfortable with the new you.
For example, the checkout staff in New Zealand supermarkets have been trained to say, “Hello, how are you today?” Most are not comfortable because it isn’t natural for them. A lot learn to live with it but the lack of authenticity is missing and customers notice it. In the end it is a meaningless exercise that has no value. I wonder why the supermarkets don’t train them to connect with people. I spent a week testing this out at local supermarkets. I used statements like: “I feel awful!”; “I am having a really bad day!”; “My dogs not happy with me!”, “This is the best day for a long long time!”, “Don’t you hate it when people do that?” and “You use your left arm a lot putting items in bags. Do they balance your exercise by putting you on the other counter?”
It is amazing how different the interaction becomes as they step out of their robotic process when I cause an interruption. They become present to the moment. I found they actually become human and smile.
You can learn about your own program by analysing what happens in your life from day to day but you will rarely change without feedback from others. If you want more success in life and to improve your outcomes, then you have to examine your own unique set of instructions through other people’s eyes and ears.
You are a robot with your own unique set of instructions that control you from moment to moment. Now start learning them. Observe what works and what doesn’t. Change what doesn’t work with practice. Know you can do it and know it takes time.
Imagine what a difference positive changes that improve your interactions with people could make to the growth of your business?