No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care

Randy's Take

While flying to Chicago with 2 buddies for a golf getaway (one of them is from there) I am reading "The Big Miss" by Hank Haney. It's about his time coaching Tiger Woods. I keep referring back to a folded page featuring a quote from Kevin Kleven: "Nobody cares how much youu know until they know how much you care."

Man, how appropriate is that saying? Take some time to reflect on that statement. It really sinks in.  As an owner , a management person, foreman or supervisor are you a know-it-all and can't seem to get your point or points across? Does anyone seem to care? Do they tune out when you're talking? Does their body language twist and turn when you speak?

Well, just maybe you have come across as a know-it-all and don't or haven't bonded with your team. Whether it is upper, middle or lower management, you have to have a connection with your team. And those in the hierarchy or chain of command must bond with their team and subordinates. 

You or they don't have to be best buds. Your team just needs to know you care about them. Caring means a lot. Whether it is listening to their needs or wants, take the time to listen to them. More importantly, ask about how their day went, how their weekend was, how their family's doing -- anything and everything about them. Do not make it about you! Let them talk. Remember what they talked about and what interested them. Then when you see them again, bring it up.

Let them know you care. When they know you care, they will be interested in what you say and what you want to teach them. I guarantee they will work harder and smarter for you as well. Try it. If it doesn't work, email me and we'll work on another solution.

Have an awesome day and week! Enjoy your summer and remember, we need to have fun along the way so we can be better bosses, managers and people.