Dr. Brett’s Thoughts:
Each week I enjoy reading Adam Bryant’s Corner Office interview in The New York Times business section. This week, Mr. Bryant interviewed Joel Peterson, the Chairman of JetBlue Airways, a man who grew up in a middle class family in Michigan. Asked why people tend to trust him, Mr. Peterson said, “For me, a lot of it is listening. I’m a really good listener. It’s not a technique – I’m really interested in what people have to say. But it does develop trust as a byproduct. If you’re authentic, open, you call things as they are, you are direct and you listen well, that develops trust.”
I love it. Sometimes, I begin my coaching process with athletes and entrepreneurs by teaching them how to become better listeners. I make all sorts of arguments as to why listening well is so important, one being that your spouse and children will benefit too. After all, when we listen well not only do we engender trust but we show caring too. And the key is to do it genuinely, not as part of an agenda. When I teach people to network I call the process Networking in the Here and Now. The idea is that when you come from nothing and want nothing from any one particular person, you show up more authentic and real. Although it’s important to have an overall intention for what you want to create and accomplish, like obtaining a new job, the process itself concerns staying present and showing a genuine interest in others. Not only is it a great way to network, it’s a great way to live!
