Do you know someone who is the, "I got a guy," guy? I do, and he is spectacular. Ken is the man who runs the Oliver Garage in which I park downtown. I met him over two years ago. He is the guy who said good morning with a big smile whenever you pulled in. He usually does that while having a conversation with another patron. He is kind to everyone. I see him smiling and chatting with all the customers. Young, old, man, woman, black, white well-dressed or not, driving a Mercedes or a Chevy Equinox (me!). One day early on in our friendship he saw me walking by the garage and asked me where I parked. When I told him down the street because his garage said "Full" he told me just pull in, I'll park it. Which he does for me often.
This month Kenny was supposed to get surgery on his knee. When I asked him about it he told me "I got a guy who saw me and said no need." It was the doctor for one of our pro sports teams whom he had met in the garage. Last week he had chest pain, I told him not to mess around and go to the doctor. He said, "I got a guy I'm gonna call.” Again it was some high-end physician who was vacationing in Spain. One day he noticed my car said it needed an oil change. He told me he had a guy. I mentioned I was trying to connect with executive headhunters. He introduced me the next week to a guy who happened to live one street away from me, whom I recognized but had never met. But Kenny knew him. And what he did. And where he lived. By the way, Kenny is married for over 20 years to a woman whom he met while working!
How does my friend Ken "have" so many guys and gals? I'm convinced it's because he treats people the right way. They aren't just "guys" he knows. They truly are friends. How does he do it?
He says hello with a big smile to everyone.
He asks questions and listens to your response
He exercises servant leadership. He always goes the extra mile.
He seeks first to understand, then to be understood. (Covey)
He lives as if he is the owner of the business, not an employee.
Want to be a better boss, try doing these things today.
Want to be a better teammate, try doing these things today.
Want to be a better salesperson, lawyer, or doctor, try doing these things today.
How about a better, spouse, parent, friend.......... try doing these things today.
These habits are not new or fancy. But put them into play and watch what happens