It’s 100% True: Nobody Cares How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care
A few years ago, I was traveling home from the east coast. I had just concluded a full week of work with some leaders around expanding their leadership skills, focusing on their communication, self-awareness, and ability to cast vision to their teams. As I settled into my seat on the plane, the woman next to me seemed a bit distressed and anxious. Although I was tired and needed rest, I asked if she was okay. She explained that although she traveled often for business, she had a major fear of flying.
Over the course of the next 2-3 hours, we conversed fluidly, as I could tell it helped distract her anxiety. Near the end of the flight, she said, “Look, I know you were taking extra time with me just to help me get through this flight… thank you!” We then exchanged business cards as I shared a brief description of what I do. “I help teams and leaders increase their emotional intelligence for higher performance and influence.”
About a week later, I received an invitation to be part of a large team-building event where I would be featured as a speaker. The woman I sat next to on the plane was the one who introduced me at the event. She said, “Here is the man who cared enough about me and my fear of flying that he put aside his own needs for a few hours.”
A simple act, right?
A simple choice to care.
A simple moment that led to an open door of business and influence.
I want to remind you of a simple principle today that I hope you will carry with you this week and beyond…
No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
Sometimes I think people believe that selling is telling – that’s short-term. Care more about people than promotion – that’s long-term. I encourage you to find ways to really show a level of care to those you serve by going the extra-mile. That extra-mile looks different for us all but what we all have in common is we can choose to understand people.
A simple act of kindness (being caring) may just open a door for you this week, next month, or in the future. Be attune to meeting the needs of others, especially during uncertain times like these.
Here’s to your caring leadership,
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
