He Did What?

“Wasn’t that your department director you were laughing with?”

“Yes.”

“What was so funny?”

“He was telling me about backing into his garage door this morning—for the third time!”

“And that was supposed to be funny?”

“Well…he was laughing at himself, so I just joined in.”

“I wish my boss was like that.”

One of the pillars of leadership credibility is to be personable. People want to know you. And they want to be known by you. If the only interaction you have with employees is about the business, if it is all business—all the time, you are falling far short of what employees want and need from you. You don’t have to be their BFF (look it up), but asking about their kids, hobbies, favorite team, etc., will go a long way toward creating a more than a number culture.

“People today demand personal relationships with their leaders before they will give themselves fully to their jobs.” Bill George, True North

Relationships take time. Why don’t you start today? Now? Walk down to the water cooler and strike up a conversation—about them!

You can spend time, or invest time. Relationship time is among the most important time you invest.

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