Hey Chuck, great post on Wednesday about the different types of doors, looking forward to sharing more of this info with our readers. Same with the post on listening. Whew, so important – maybe even more important than talking. I have been thinking about this all week and the ideas are bubbling over.

First is that to be a really good listener, I think you have to be completely and totally present and in the moment. You have to put away your own agendas – stop thinking about your own plans, actions, thoughts, history and turn your full attention to that other person. And then just shut up, so they have the space to talk.

All well and good, but, that also seems to be impossible in the course of a normal work day. How do you shelf all of your work day tasks to be present like that? I know this sounds like a cop-out, but, maybe you have to prioritize your listening?

Referencing a bigger remodel, let me explain what I mean. In home remodeling, our jobsites, are another persons home, they come first. We are there at their invitation, so we need to be able to listen to their needs and respond accordingly. Before we enter their home, we need to stop, clear the mental deck and give them our full attention regarding the work tasks to complete their project.

Vendors would be second, as it is critical to have the right materials on the jobsite in the right order to get that job done. If they don’t get a chance to ask their questions and voice their concerns, we may not even have a job to do! In the case of a bigger remodel, this will create a domino effect and everyone after our task will be behind schedule. Wow! How much better life is when you know that they know what is required. Matter of fact, I would say that if they are heard properly, they take ownership in the success of their part of the project.

Subcontractors are next, as they are coming into that person’s home with only their piece of this jobsite puzzle. They will have more questions, need a little bit more up front attention so that they can get on their way safely and efficiently.

Employees are next. Being in the moment with them ensures a great day and successful outcome of any project we do. It means that our jobs get done to our satisfaction – so take the time to listen to their questions, concerns and ideas. It means that they are also taking pride and ownership of a job well done.

What about you and Charlie? You both wear many hats in our company. When you are on a jobsite, you are both employees, you as master, he as leadman. When you are in a monthly planning meeting, you are board members. When you are at a quarterly meeting you are shareholders. And when you arrive home at the end of the day, you are father and son.

I believe your lives will be so much richer and more successful if you don’t restrict your communication level to just that of father and son. Charlie, your dad has forgotten what most people never knew about communication, what he so wants to pass on to you. Chuck, your son has so many ideas on how to improve everything we do, that he so wants to share with you. So, both of you, take a moment and just listen!