Starting & Finishing
“In America you know you have lost power when your limousine is yellow, and your driver speaks no English.”
_James A. Baker, former Secretary of State
Last week I spoke with two high-octant leaders who are serving at the top of their respective fields.
One is just months away from finishing up his tenure and the other is just getting started.
I thought about the difference between the two conversations. Neither conversation was bad, just different. But that difference is important.
If I could give them both just one word of advice it would be this…
- To the one wrapping things up it would be: Keep adding value.
We are more than a job or a career. It is sad to me when I hear a former position-holder/title-haver always mentioning what they used to be and who they used to be. Those things mattered, but now something else must matter. What matters is adding value now…somewhere to someone.
- To the one just beginning my one word of advice would be: Journal.
Its amazing how time flies and how memories fade. The young leader I spoke to is traveling fast and far, meeting new people, going to new places, and doing exciting and interesting things. But one day — faster than he realizes — it will be over and a journal of the journey will be invaluable. A journal of the people met, lessons learned, beauty seen, private joys, shared joys, and even the sorrows…all these are what makes the ending a happy ending.
As I reflect back on my conversation with the older leader, I could not have been more impressed. He’s ending well, no bitterness, no regrets…a great example of how to hand off the baton. But he knows that he’s more than a positions or title…plans are in the making!
As far as the younger man…I’m a little more cautious. He’s got a great future ahead of him and will do great things…I just hope he doesn’t fly past the joy and beauty and I hope he takes steps to remember it.
The ONE THING for today: It will not always be like it is today. Don’t take the accolades or criticisms too serious but do travel far but not so fast that you don’t record the journey.
