Essential Skills and Traits of Successful Maintenance Planners and Schedulers - Part 3: Genuine Interest in People

Genuine Interest in People: 5 Ways Planners and Schedulers can Build Stronger Connections

When you genuinely care about people, it shows—and it can make all the difference in building stronger relationships. Whether it’s your boss, team members, or people in other departments, etc., taking the time to connect on a personal level can boost trust, morale, and collaboration. Here are five easy ways to show genuine interest in people and build those meaningful connections.

1. Ask About Their Day (And Actually Listen!)

A simple “How’s your day going?” can open the door to real conversations—but only if you’re paying attention to the answer.

• Example: If someone mentions their kid’s soccer game, follow up the next day with, “How’d the game go?” It shows you care beyond just surface-level talk.
• Why It Works: Listening (really listening) makes people feel valued, and it’s one of the quickest ways to build trust. If you want people to work with you, earn their respect by being personable.

2. Celebrate Their Wins

Everyone loves to feel appreciated, and recognizing someone’s accomplishments—even small ones—can go a long way.

• Example: “I heard you nailed that tough project—great work!” or “Happy work anniversary! I brought breakfast for everyone to celebrate your anniversary today!" (You know maintenance people love a good biscuit!)
• Why It Works: Genuine recognition shows that you’re paying attention and that their efforts don’t go unnoticed.

3. Remember the Little Things

It’s not just the big stuff that matters; remembering the small details about someone’s life can have a huge impact.

• Example: If someone casually mentions their favorite coffee, surprise them with their go-to drink one day. Or if they’re talking about a vacation, check in later and ask, “How was the trip?”
• Why It Works: These little gestures show that you’re listening and care enough to remember what’s important to them.

4. Be Curious About Their Ideas

People light up when they feel heard, and asking for someone’s input is a great way to show respect for their thoughts and opinions.

• Example: “What do you think we should do about this issue?” or “I’d love to hear your take on this idea I’ve been kicking around.”
• Why It Works: Showing interest in their perspective makes people feel like they’re a valued part of the conversation (and the team).

5. Be There During Tough Times

Genuine interest isn’t just about celebrating the highs—it’s about showing up during the lows, too.

• Example: If you notice someone seems off, ask, “Hey, you seem a little stressed—everything okay?” Even if they don’t open up right away, they’ll appreciate knowing someone cares.
• Why It Works: Being there during tough times shows your connection isn’t conditional. It’s real, and people remember that.

Final Thought: People Come First

Building strong connections doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking the time to care, listen, and support the people around you, you’ll create relationships built on trust and mutual respect. And when those connections grow stronger, so does everything else—teamwork, productivity, and even your own sense of fulfillment. Win-win!