By Joel Long, PHCC—National Association President-elect
Listening with Purpose: Giving Us the Power to PLAN
There’s nothing better than starting the new year with inspiration from those who share a common goal. Our PHCC Rocks podcasts certainly are motivating me – and hopefully you – with countless examples of positive leadership at play … how PHCC chapter executives and contractor members are successfully recruiting members and employees, meeting members’ needs, beating the COVID odds, serving their communities, and much more. We hope you’ve been tuning in. Not only will you take away proven tips for your business, your employees and your PHCC chapters, but you’ll enjoy some of the more personal stories as well … how folks found their way into this business, what advice they’d give their 20-year-old selves, favorite desserts, must-read books, and much more.
As a bonus, the timing of these initial conversations is proving to be particularly valuable. Later this month, your national Board of Directors will meet to prepare PHCC’s Strategic Plan for the next five years, and we’ve been asking our PHCC Rocks guests what – if they were in that meeting room – they would want us to focus on. Their answers so far have my mind spinning and most definitely will help fuel discussions and decisions during that planning session. Among them:
- Focusing on the “next generation” … the young professionals today who are the business – and association – leaders of tomorrow.
- Improving collaboration between PHCC National and the state organizations.
- Continuing to improve the reputation and professionalism of the industry, with a specific concentration on licensing.
- Reimagining the CONNECT conference format to better serve greater numbers.
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, these conversations with real folks within our PHCC family have reminded me of the value of truly engaging with individuals and paying attention to their responses … not just listening to solve a problem, but listening to understand (as PHCC of Indiana’s Brenda Dant pointed out during PHCC Rocks Episode 3).
How can you do a better job of listening to understand in your business? Get candid with your workers … be intentionally present, be empathetic, be open-minded, take notes, ask clarifying questions. Then consider how their input could help you improve your business.
We’re excited about what we’ve learned from engaging with our PHCC leaders and members … and how those conversations will shape the plans we’re about to make for progress moving forward. Have an idea for a future podcast? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at podcast@naphcc.org. Happy New Year!
