Nothing's Impossible

Tis the season of hope, of dreams, of compassion, of thinking that things will be better for each of us in the future.  This year, I am seeing things a little differently for no specific reason, but just different.  Maybe it is because I have a senior in HS who will soon be leaving for college, with a sophomore in HS right behind him.  Maybe its the holiday lights, maybe I am just more aware of things this year than in years past.  

I had a conversation with a complete stranger over the phone the other day that gave me an epiphany of sorts.  While we working through some work related issues (she was working on a help desk in a contact center) we began small talking.  I found out the help desk was located in the same city as my beloved college Alma mater, Lawrence Kansas.  I mentioned to her that both my wife and I were alumni and that my oldest son had already been accepted there.  She mentioned to me that she and her husband had their first child who was now 2 years old.  We began talking about Thanksgiving and the holiday season in general.  Then it happened!

We spoke about how my boys had progressed to the age where they understood about Santa and weren't as impressed with all of the lights as they used to be.  She stated that her son was in complete awe of all of the lights and joy of this time of year.  We talked a little more but I had the greatest parenting/leadership lesson I have ever received.  When her son goes somewhere, his innocence and trust is placed with his parents that they will introduce him to positive new experiences.  It's like seeing the warm feelings that come over people the first time they see all the candles on a menorah lit up, or when a trail of lights is seen for the first time, a child is in awe.  As a parent, we often forget that life sometimes has jaded us, and we take for granted life's little experiences.  Our kids lives are full of firsts on a daily basis, especially when they are young.

As a leader, we often find ourselves making decisions but forgetting about the development aspect of a decision.  Critical thinking and evaluation lead to confident, well thought out decisions.  The most critical aspect of thinking and evaluation is experience and the outcomes of past decisions.  Just like a child seeing a holiday light for the first time or receiving a surprise gift, our teams are filled with the same awe when they see the results of their hard work.

For whatever reason, this year is a special year for me personally and professionally.  I have seen my children grow into solid young men; I have seen the team I lead more than double our customer base and become significantly more efficient; I have seen every team member extend and develop in some way.  It has been fun to be able to sit back and watch others talk about what has been developed with appreciation and allow each team member to celebrate their individual accomplishments.

It is easy for us to see how success and failure through our own lenses.  It is far more rewarding to see life through someone else's eyes though.  Be the encourager, the guide, the resource for others and remember it's not all about you.  This is easy to say, harder to do.  If you make the effort everyone wins!

Have a great week and an even better holiday season!

My Humble Shoes

It is the time of year where I become very reflective about a lot of things.  It is a time to give thanks and to remember the sacrifices of others.  It is a time to give more of yourself for those around you. 

I have a pair of sneakers that I call my "Humble Shoes".  They are a pair of white with black logos and lettering Avia's.  These sneakers have holes in both sides of the toes from being the wrong width, and over a period of a couple of months the leather gave way.  These are very comfortable for me. 

I call them my Humble Shoes because I am not a wealthy person, but I can usually afford to buy myself a pair of sneakers without holes in them.  They are my Humble Shoes because they keep me grounded.

I thought about these shoes when I was on a recent business trip and as my bosses and I were at a business dinner with a prospective vendor, there was a table of 14 men and women having a dinner.  What was interesting about this group was the story that a member of the group told us as they were taking a picture of the table.  This group of 70 somethings were laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying each others company.  They men of the group were all part of the same company stationed overseas pre-Viet Nam, but post Korean Conflict.  The oldest of the group was a gentleman in a wheel chair, he was their commanding officer.  Each year, this group would get together, and as it was harder for the groups Commander to travel, they all decided to travel to him and his wife each year just to stay in touch.  Interestingly, the men and women of this group were actually 7 married couples that had been married for over 50 years each.  WOW!!

After being inspired by this group, I realized how much these men sacrificed over the years.  Some were more successful than others, but they valued the relationships they forged 50+ years ago.

My Humble Shoes keep me reminded that success comes only after sacrifice.  Comfort comes from years of being uncomfortable and learning from mistakes. 

At this time of year, I look around at how commercial the holiday season is.  I am a fan of the lights and music, don't get me wrong, however, you have to remain grounded and remember that there are people around you that are struggling each day.  Some you would never expect have struggles.  Treat people with respect and dignity at all times.

My Humble Shoes keep me humble regardless of personal or professional success.  Like those Veterans who served our country and worked hard to be able to enjoy their lives with their spouses, remember those who struggle and persevere through adversity.

Life is not easy, stay humble.