"Prefiero darle a la gente lo que necesita en lugar de solo lo que quiere"

When someone says they'd rather provide people with what they need instead of just what they want, they’re getting at this idea: the true value lies in addressing deeper, sometimes unspoken necessities rather than surface desires. Let's break that down.

Imagine a parent. A child might ask for ice cream every meal because it's what they want. But the parent, knowing the importance of nutrition, opts for a balanced diet with occasional treats. The child needs nutrients to grow healthy and strong, even if they don't realize it. This approach is about foresight and care—thinking beyond immediate gratification to long-term well-being.

Historically, think about leaders or innovators who made lasting impacts. Steve Jobs, for instance, famously ignored what consumers thought they wanted because he had a vision of what they needed. People didn’t know they needed an iPhone until it existed. Jobs saw the potential for a device that combined a phone, an internet communicator, and an iPod into one. His insight wasn’t about fulfilling current desires but anticipating future needs.

Let’s get into a detailed example. Picture a teacher in a classroom. Students might want to just watch movies every class—sounds fun, right? But the teacher knows they need to develop critical thinking skills, learn how to solve problems, and understand complex concepts. So, instead of movies, the teacher designs engaging lessons that challenge students, helping them grow intellectually. In the long run, these skills benefit the students far more than temporary entertainment.

Now, how can you apply this? Start by really listening to people. Not just hearing their words, but understanding their underlying challenges and aspirations. If you're a manager, don’t just hand out praise because it makes employees feel good momentarily. Invest in their professional development instead. Provide feedback that helps them improve, even if it’s tough to hear. It’s about nurturing growth and long-term success.

Here's a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re running a small business. Your customers keep asking for discounts. Sure, you could give them what they want to make quick sales. But what if, instead, you invest in higher-quality products that genuinely solve their problems more effectively? They might not realize it at first, but over time, they’ll appreciate the value and reliability more than a temporary price cut.

It's a bit like being a good friend. Sometimes, friends need tough love. They might want you to agree with them all the time, but what they need is honesty. If a friend is making a poor life choice, telling them what they need to hear—even if it’s hard—shows you care about their well-being.

In essence, focusing on needs rather than wants requires empathy, foresight, and sometimes, a bit of courage. It’s about making choices that lead to genuine improvement and well-being, even if they’re not immediately popular. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and acting with intention and care. So next time you’re faced with a decision, think about the long game. What will truly benefit those involved? That’s where the real value lies.