by Rachel Wallis Andreasson
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that July 18th is celebrated as World Listening Day. This date holds a special place in my heart because it was also my Dad’s birthday. He was an extraordinary listener, a trait that became the cornerstone of our family business’s success and growth. His ability to listen was not just a skill but a profound gift that he shared with everyone around him. Since his passing in 2001, I’ve heard countless stories that highlight this remarkable attribute.
My Dad had a unique ritual: he would drive to each convenience store, grab a hot cup of coffee, and engage in heartfelt conversations with both associates and customers. He listened with genuine interest and intent. If someone suggested an improvement, he would bring it back to the team, always eager to see if it could be implemented. Employees often expressed their gratitude for his openness to their ideas and his willingness to act on them. It was this culture of listening and valuing input that made the culture and our business thrive.
But his listening prowess wasn’t confined to the workplace. He cherished “coffee talks” with his nieces, where he would catch up on their lives over a warm cup of coffee. I fondly remember our long five-mile walks, where discussions about the family business would seamlessly blend with his thoughtful questions and attentive listening. At his funeral, many remarked on how, despite running a multi-million dollar business, he always made you feel like you had his undivided attention and were his best friend.
Inspired by my Dad, I embarked on a journey to discover the formula for creating a culture like the one he built. This quest led to the development of “The Sixth Level,” a concept that transcends self-actualization by focusing on one’s relationship with others. It’s about learning from, listening to, and helping others reach their full potential. The Sixth Level was a collaborative effort, involving contributions from 22 individuals and built upon extensive prior research.
I am deeply grateful to everyone striving to create a better culture, one that enhances human connection, values individual contributions, and makes the world a better place. 1968-2001. Starting from the year my Dad founded our company to the time he died. In those years, so many wonderful things happened “in the dash,” but above all, I honor him for his exceptional listening skills, which made him a better leader and allowed those around him to flourish.