Vol 5 # 11 – Is it really yours? – BETTER THAN GOOD & IMPROVING

Better Than Good and Improving™

Hello friends. Welcome to this installment of Better Than Good and Improving™.

Before you say something is mine, ask yourself:

Do you really own it?

Many years ago, I worked at a relatively small company.

We went to Manhattan for a computer show, and on Sunday night before the show, we were all sitting in a lobby area having drinks and small talk.

The national sales manager was talking to one of the owners and said:

“As long as I work for you …”

At that instant, the owner slammed his drink down and, in a very firm voice, said:

“If you work for me, take a [expletive deleted] hike.

If you work with me, we can accomplish anything.”

I have never forgotten that exchange because it struck me so hard and so dramatically.

Ever since, I have never said that someone works for me or that I work for someone else.

I will say Joe is my manager.

Or Andrew is part of the team.

So I ask:

Is it your team?

Is it your department?

Even if you own the company, is it really yours?

I was taught a lifelong leadership message that day.

I have never forgotten it.

Respect → Gratitude → Leadership
…and the circle continues.

#gratitude #thankfulness #leadership #TheSpiritOfThanks

Originally published on LinkedIn as part of The Spirit of Thanks series.

Thanks for stopping by on your way to Better Than Good and Improving™.

Yours Aye,

Dr. Edward M. Dunlap, Jr AKA Doctor D

Vol 5 # 11 – Is it really yours?