These small actions are the building blocks to creating an organization based on trust and understanding. This is the very reason some of us would rather take out our own trash or take 30 minutes every week “picking up brass” on foreign object debris walks with the Airmen. Credibility starts with the words that come out of your mouth and ends with the actions you take next. Something as simple as walking around and connecting with his people built trust and credibility-he took the time to show his concern. He championed the idea of getting out from behind his desk, talking to the people and seeing for himself how things were going on the front lines. He said, “If I know you and your heart, I am much more likely to trust you and your vision.” Our Airmen want to see us, share ideas with us, and get to know us!Ībraham Lincoln was famous for his walk and sees.
Thinking back on a conversation I had with one of my Airmen over a year ago-he told me that he finds it odd when leaders want their Airmen to automatically follow them when those leaders don’t take the time to get to know their Airmen and build trust. Christine Knieff) hear from our Airmen that they appreciate that we treat them like human beings and that we take the time to see them as a person. Prioritizing warmth helps you connect immediately with those around you, demonstrating that you hear them, understand them, and can be trusted by them.” Even a few small nonverbal signals-a nod, a smile, an open gesture-can show people that you’re pleased to be in their company and attentive to their concerns.
“Warmth is the conduit of influence: It facilitates trust and the communication and absorption of ideas. It provides a space in which the chaos can be put on pause, even if it is just for a moment.Īccording to the article “Connect, then Lead” from the Harvard Business Review, there is a growing amount of research that suggests the way to influence and lead is to begin with warmth. Sitting down to have a cup of tea (or coffee for those who don’t like tea) with someone offers a time to chat, connect, and cultivate trust.
One sure fire way to make a positive impact and connect with your team is to intentionally give your time with an open heart and open ears. Even though these resources can provide useful tools and additional insights, they don’t get to the root of connecting with our people. Other times we find ourselves quoting inspirational figures like David Goggins, Jocko Willink, or Simon Sinek to plant seeds of ownership and confidence within our followers so we can see whose eyes light up with bewilderment and inspiration. Too often we get caught up on thinking that we must read the latest leadership books or take courses to improve our organization and personal skills. Leading a team can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated calculus formula-basic algebra works just fine. It is intentionally taking the time to connect and address something important. Although a seemingly simple act, sharing a cup of tea is anything but. Tea connoisseur Mary Lou Heiss once said, “A simple cup of tea is far from a simple matter.” Having tea can mean sharing joy and sorrow, solving familial or business problems, or simply being present and experiencing life completely. Tea symbolizes hospitality, community, and family tradition. If you are a tea lover or have been around the tea culture, it should be no surprise to you when it comes to the social significance placed on serving and having tea.
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