We are the experts in our industry.
What is the difference between having knowledge and being knowledgeable? Are these terms synonymous, or is there a fundamental difference between them, aside from being a noun and an adjective? Knowledge is simply accumulating facts, skills, information, etc., through education and experience. It is an understanding of a particular subject. Is knowledge enough to be a virtue?
The simple answer is no. Every virtue, including being knowledgeable, has an associated call to action. What does this action look like? It is different by role, but each employee should be able to be identified.
- Our customers see knowledgeable technicians applying their skills at each job site (might as well collect a 5-star Google review).
- Our franchisees see knowledgeable CSRs loading up the inspection calendar to maximize sales opportunities.
- Each of our single unit operators experiences a knowledgeable marketing team driving leads that feed the CSRs.
Individually, we are an intelligent group of folks. Collectively, we have the smarts to influence the lives of the people we serve (homeowners or franchisees). The smarts do us no good unless we apply them or implement them. Keep reading, learning, experiencing, and gaining knowledge…then put that knowledge into action. We are reminded weekly that our virtues are to be lived out daily.
Looking back at all that will be accomplished in 2025, we will see growth in markets, revenue, and market share. Will you look back and see personal growth in knowledge, and will that growth have been used to better those around you (family, co-workers, community, etc.)? Looking back, I see that growth is good, but the best is yet to come.
I will close with a quote from Robert E. Lee: “If what you did yesterday still looks big to you, you haven’t done much today.” Keep living out the virtues; we will all be amazed at what we accomplish together.
