10. Listen Generously And With Patience.

Listening is more than simply “not speaking.” Be present and engaged. Give people your undivided attention by quieting the noise in your head, limiting distractions, and stopping the desire to multi-task. Truly appreciate other perspectives. Above all, listen to understand.

Kay's Message:

As a designer in the showroom, there are so many things happening all at once at any given time, and I constantly remind myself to stop, breathe, be present and pay attention. The overwhelming desire to multi-task and accomplish everything that I need to accomplish in a day is so prevalent that when I am on the phone, talking with a coworker, or speaking with a customer it can become very difficult to just STOP, and listen.

Not only in a professional sense, but also as a mother to four boys. I can honestly say that I know more about Pokemon, Monster Trucks, Construction Trucks, and Naruto than I ever thought I would know. However, being able to stop, turn off everything else that may be going on in my head and truly listen to my boys, or to my customers and those around me is truly a skill that takes time to cultivate. It is absolutely one of the most important attributes that we can have in our daily lives. It can be the difference between just another conversation that’s easy to forget, and a truly meaningful interaction that can continue to foster an even deeper relationship with the person you’re speaking with. Ultimately, it is our relationships in this life that truly make us successful people both professionally and personally. A contractor will always return to the person that provides them with excellent service and listens to them. A spouse or a child will always go back to the person that listens to them and makes them feel wanted and loved. A friend will always call the person that listens to them no matter what in their hour of need.

Stop, breathe, listen and understand. I’ve been amazed at what can happen and what we all can learn! Not to mention what we can learn from each other. When asked to think of a person within our company who truly exemplifies this fundamental, I can’t think of one…. I think of 6! With people like Tim Laird, Marla Iverson, Natalie Potyonek, Stacy Jackson, Katie Krafcik and Hannah Reed here in this company to listen to any issue I’m having, (and of course have patience with whatever confusion I may be causing). We have accomplished a work environment where you truly feel like your team is listening to you, and willing to help you with whatever issue you may be having. It’s just one part of why Famous Supply is such a breath of fresh air, and an enjoyable place to come to work every day.

Thanks,

Kay