Popcorn and Peanut Butter Taste Yummy!

Popcorn and Peanut Butter Taste Yummy!
- Who’s Judging? -

It’s amazing how two different people can taste the same thing, see the same thing, experience the same event, and come away with two totally different accounts. It’s remarkable, don’t you think? Yes, there are people who like the combination of two un-related foods like popcorn and peanut butter. I am not one of those people. However, I appreciate a variety of opinions and feelings towards things.

What I recommend, is that instead of disputing the taste of popcorn and peanut butter, give them a try. Instead of getting angry of the difference of opinion, try next time to understand. People are fascinating and because we all come from different backgrounds there are so many things we can learn.

Ask questions like: “What did you mean by that, help me understand.” or “That’s interesting, how did you arrive at that?” As a culture we don’t ask enough questions. Five year-olds are great; they ask questions all the time. What happens when we shut down the ‘why’ questions? We de-stimulate curiosity.

The best ideas and solutions in business come from the individuals who spend over half their waking hours within the four walls of the organization. They’re the secretaries, sales staff, support staff, and billing people. Business leaders sometimes forget about them. Get your people involved by asking them questions. Questions ranging from, “How could we increase our efficiency?” to “How should we market this product?” Answers are all around us, we simply need to learn how to think like that 5 year-old and ask those questions. Who knows, you may discover that the right popcorn (caramel) dipped into peanut butter tastes delicious!

- Joe Kiedinger -

ACTION PLAN: Practice asking questions. But you already know that.