The Seasons of Psychology
by Jonathan McGaha | February 27, 2013 12:00 am
“I’m depressed,” said Igor, as he slumped down in the chair in front of the King.
Slide Rule, the chief architect for the castle and owner of Building Blocks Inc., looked at Igor, and then at the King. “Igor, you shouldn’t act that way in front of the King. He could throw you in the dungeon.”
“The way I feel, that would be a good thing,” said Igor, owner of Moat Designs, the primary moat builder for the King.
“I offer room and board,” replied the King.
“That’s exactly what I’m looking for,” said Igor.
“In exchange for hard labor.”
“Oh!”
“How about if we all go for a walk?” suggested the King.
“Not me. It’s all overcast and foggy. Can’t see anything.”
“Igor, shouldn’t you be building a moat or something?” asked Slide.
“What’s the point? Build them and bill them and then beat them up for payment.”
“This time of year is always difficult for a lot of people,” said the King.
“How so?” asked Igor.
Slide moved over to his friend and put his hand on his shoulder. “Igor, let’s sit over here and listen to what the King has to say.”
“Sure. Why not? Nothing to lose and nothing to gain.”
“Is this another one of those Master Classes?” asked Igor. They both took a seat and the King started to pace.
“Yes, it will help you. Just settle yourself and become comfortable. I want to talk a bit about the ups and downs that people and businesses face on a continual basis.”
“Businesses get depressed?” asked Slide.
“Yes. In a way, you’re right. Many businesses go through slumps similar to what people experience. Remember, it’s people that run the business, and if some people are not in top form, then the business suffers.”
“That’s a good point,” said Slide.
“You may find this interesting. A major impact on how people feel actually has to do with the weather.”
“You’re kidding,” said Igor. “I’m really depressed and you want to talk about the weather?”
“Just let him go on,” said Slide.
“Think about how you feel. As the days get shorter and colder, it sort of closes in around you. Eventually it’s dark, cold and icy in the morning when you go to work, and when you travel home, it’s the same way.”
“I hate it when it’s dark outside. In fact, it’s really tough for contractors as their working hours are cut shorter. It can really cut into productivity issues, which means less billings,” said Slide.
“I’m getting depressed again,” said Igor.
“Let me continue,” said the King. “Then all of a sudden the air feels different, and it slowly becomes lighter outside. Spring starts to reveal itself, and it puts a spring into your step.”
“So, bottom line. What are you saying?” asked Slide.
“There’s more. Listen to this, the seasons of the year impact people on how they think and behave. When the holiday season passes, some people begin to feel alone because they are alone, or they are in a relationship where they feel they are alone. Spring brings new energy to people, and daylight saving time starts, which also helps people with their mood. Summer brings out feelings of wanting to do something, to get their lives going in the right direction, or what they think is the right direction. They take action. Fall is a season of rest and of remembering, and then the process starts over again.”
“Wow, that’s impressive,” said Slide.
“I refer to these changes as ‘The Seasons of Psychology.'”
“‘The Seasons of Psychology?’ It sounds like a research paper for a doctorial program.”
“It is.”
“Who wrote it?”
“I did. I have a doctorate in psychology.”
“You’re kidding?”
“No. I’m serious. As business in the future becomes more complicated, psychologists are going to play a bigger and bigger role in educating business leaders about people, and the importance in understanding their employees, and encouraging them to develop programs that say, ‘We take interest in you as a person, and we are here to help.'”
“So, it’s all about the people?” asked Slide.
“Yes, you must pay attention to people. You must help them up when they’re down, you must show empathy to their worries, and you must challenge them to exceed. Remember, it’s people that grow your business.”
“Well said,” replied Igor. “Well said.”
Ronald A. McKenzie is president of COMPASS Consultants Corp., a strategic planning and marketing company specializing in developing business growth. He is a published author and has made nationwide presentations on the subject of strategic planning and marketing. He resides in Las Vegas and can be reached at ramckenzie.compass@gmail.com and www.compassconsultantscorp.com.
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