As I write in my blog, I Power Ideas, I like to post things I feel are going to help a manager or leader learn and grow through small learning nuggets or seeds to inspire the reader to think, reflect, and dig deeper into the subject.
One story my wife recently shared with me was a story by Chip Gains from his book, “Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff.”
My wife is a huge fan of Joanna and Chip Gains and she has thoroughly enjoyed this book, and more importantly it inspired her to explore and think in new and different ways. Her enthusiasm was contagious and infectious. She was thoroughly excited to try new things, all from Chip’s book.
One of the stories she shared that has a great parallel with management and leadership is relationships. It really is all about relationship. If you have a strong relationship with someone or a group, collaboration and open dialogue are much easier to facilitate.
I am going to paraphrase the story.
Chip talks about digging a long ditch on a hot summer day. If someone comes along and offers to help, you’re not going to ask him questions about his political views or other things that have nothing to do with the task at hand, you’re just going to be happy for the help. Then as you work side-by-side, you’ll get to know him because you are actually working together – you’ll be interested in his story. You will actually listen with intent and bite your tongue if you strongly disagree because the point is to hear him, get his perspective. And vice versa. You’ll respect him regardless of whether or not his views differ from yours. You may even become friends. That’s the world I want to live in.
So very true and his story hits home in so many ways. Enjoy exploring and building deeper relationships with those around you.
Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff
From Amazon
The funny and talented Chip Gaines is well known to millions of people as a TV star, renovation expert, bestselling author, husband to Joanna, and father of four in Waco, Texas. But long before the world took notice, Chip was a serial entrepreneur who was always ready for the next challenge, even if it didn’t quite work out as planned. Whether it was buying a neighborhood laundromat or talking a bank into a loan for some equipment to start a lawn-mowing service, Chip always knew that the most important thing was to take that first step.
