Be the person everyone wants to work with—while loving rotting seaweed

This episode is best heard rather than seen. To listen, simply click on the audio link above or subscribe to the Riot Point Radio podcast.In this article I give  you 3 tips on how to be an outstanding colleague.But first, seaweed.I have to write a book on branding and I needed a catalyst for my creativity, and while some find their muse through whisky or wine, or and others play their favourite music in the background, I need the beach.I love the smell of rotting seaweed in the morning.And if that olfactoral stimulant doesn’t move your cursor to the right, I don’t know what will.In the book on branding I write about the need to collaborate across disciplines.  I also list the three things which have stood me in good stead, andwere given to me by Sir Antony Pilkington, the then Chairman of Pilkington Glass, on my first day of work.To be an amazing colleagueThe three tips on how to be an outstanding colleague are:          1. Always have something interesting to say. Don’t bleat with the flock. Yet don’t be a contrarian for the sake of it. It’s trendy to be contrarian at the moment, but its a trait any adolescent boy can display—and does—and it's not always appealing. Resist. Be a critical thinker whose refreshing perspective advances the work.            2. Be nice to work with.Being with you should be a pleasure, not a pain (mostly.) Be respectful, collaborative and honest, and listen. Never underestimate the power of listening.          3. Keep your promises.Whatever you do, try very hard to keep your promises. Life happens of course, but colleagues value reliability and certainty—especially from ‘creative’ types. Keep your promises as much as you can. It is the foundation stone of trust. TO BE AN AMAZING BrandAnd, surprise surprise, what’s good for you is good for your brand too.This was pointed out to me by Jason Fox, a very talented copywriter.So your brands should have 3 things          1. Have something interesting to say.Be discernibly better and different than the competition          2. Be nice to work with.Make it easy for you customers to speak with you, and easy for them to love you.         3. Keep your promises.Without execution, your different and better offer is worthless. Worst, customers will find you frustrating because of the lost potential.Be a great colleague. Be a great brand.At the Riot Point we take the guesswork out of business and personal growth.Check our courses on strategy and leadership, and circulate this podcast if it has been of interest.Share the love by circulating or subscribing to the podcast, Riot Point Radio.