It wasn’t a stellar year, yet it was a profound year. We established a new sales model partnering R&D team members with sales team members. We opened a new location in Mexico—the entire team relocated and supported each other in that move. We had key individuals add to their families and the team rallied to allow time and peace for the births of new babies.
Our sales leaders took all of this into consideration as they handed out awards. More
than just awarding sales achievement, they invited
team members from across
the company and celebrated them in the spirit of “We are
all in this together”. I was
proud and emotional about
the support given to each
other.
Leadership is not about us. Leadership is about the community we create. We
long for the belonging into
that community. And sadly sometimes, we just don’t
belong. We are the creator
of the culture. The steward
of the vision. Yet we are not
of that world we look upon
with proud eyes. They did
this. This is their legacy.
We just stand on the
sidelines as proud parents cheering them on. “You so
got this!” We know they so
got this. Please don’t let me
get in their way.
I have been asked to sell this company countless times. I refuse because I believe in
the collective power of my
team. We are mighty. We are here for a reason. We are purposeful. We create connection. We create love. We create community around a table. I have no doubt.
I have many children. On any given day one child needs seen more than another. I can’t see all of them. See who is hurting the most. Feel them. We are only as happy as our saddest child.
It is the same in leadership. I can’t see it all. Who needs me the most. Let me be there. As
much as I know I can’t “belong”, let me be the instrument of peace. One of my Dad’s favorite prayers… and one that comes into my mind often…