“I will not let you fail”
A leader brings out the best in other people while accomplishing the goals of the organization. If you have the attitude “I will not let you fail”, they know it. You have high expectations and encourage them, recognizing even small steps of progress.
You do not give up on anyone. If you decide a team member is not right here, you excuse them from your company with dignity and care. Otherwise, you understand that it’s your job to see that everyone that’s here will succeed.
You trust them. You give them what they need to succeed – training, tools, support. You have high expectations for them because you believe in them, not just because you want the fruits of their successful labors. You have their back. You support them when they make a mistake. You give them credit. You don’t let them down.
People Crave Recognition
“The deepest principle of human nature is to be appreciated.” – William James
The owner of Brown Roofing, Eddie Griffin, tells a story. When he was 14 years old, things were not going well at home with his family. He ran away and wound up at a friend’s house. His friend’s dad, Gary Brown, found him in the garage and asked what he was doing there. The 14-year-old Eddie told Mr. Brown that he was wondering if he could stay there. Gary Brown stared down at the young Eddie, and paused for a long while. “Why don’t you come to work with me and pick up around the jobsite?”
Gary Brown was a roofer and perhaps he saw that Eddie could be some cheap or even free labor, and perhaps he had a soft spot and was helping Eddie out. Not long after, Mr. Brown told Eddie to work on taking down a three-story-high chimney with just a sledgehammer. He left Eddie at the job.
Later that afternoon he came back and found Eddie, black with soot, and a three-story chimney that had been single-handedly taken down to the ground. A pile of bricks and blackened clay tile sections remained. Gary was amazed and praised young Eddie.
Eddie said he would have done anything for that man, and for that recognition again. And he did. He never left the company. Today he owns it.
That is a great story of Eddie’s journey. The opportunity to help someone be the best version of themselves. That is the privilege of being a leader.
Thank you for sharing that story., I needed to hear it . Today I will give that same feeling I hade to others .Today and most every day I am greatful for you Larry❤️
I am grateful for Eddie Griffin also!