listen

Every Person Has a Story

Every person has a story. Do you know and do you care? Every person has a story. Is anyone out there? Will you take the time to listen—take the time to settle down? Cause every person has a story … even the circus clown. Tell me your story so that I may understand. Tell me your story so I might lend a helping hand. Inspire me with your uniqueness because I can learn from you. Every person has a story—today  go talk to two!

 Joe Kiedinger

 ACTION PLAN: Ask two people to tell you their story—then simply listen.

It takes great leaders to help us raise our kids!

My son, Alex, recently started his first job as a bagger at Festival Foods. His leader, Mary Kay, just held a three-month review on his performance. When Alex told me he had a three-month review, I thought, Already?  His review lasted about 15 minutes and afterward he found me in the store doing some shopping. He had a smile that said “CONFIDENCE.” I asked him how it went. He said, “I’m a rock star!” and then gave me a broad smile. Later he told me how Mary Kay pointed out specific things he was doing right. She even gave examples from other leaders who noticed positive behavior. After building Alex up, she asked him a very powerful question: “What can I do to help make your employment here more enjoyable?”

This gave Alex an open door to share with Mary Kay how he likes variety and would be interested in learning how to be a cart runner and to be able to do both duties for a healthy variety. Mary Kay said, “I can do that.” She also asked him, “Where do you see where you can improve?” Alex shared his thoughts and Mary Kay made him feel that it was OK to make mistakes as long as we learn from them. I’ve been telling him that for years, but it took Mary Kay to remind him as his leader and direct him on how to improve for it to sink in.

Thank you to all leaders like Mary Kay who not only take the time to coach but take the time to listen. The leaders who have the guts to ask the most powerful Servant Leadership question, “What is it that I can do to help you?” Parents like me are depending on you to join our village and help our teenagers transition into becoming responsible adults.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Seek the feedback you need to help others you care about!