A few weeks ago while honoring my dad on Father’s day, I was reminded of a truth – a basic principle that is so counter intuitive I need more than a post-it note to jog my memory. I need a huge flip chart positioned strategically in my bedroom.
He was surrounded by a wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, all who love and adore him. His life was full and filled with purpose. He was happy. He was loved.
As I watched the scene unfold, it hit me. It was all worth it: the sacrifices he made, the decision to put us first, to make the calls, to spend the money, and to invest the time. It came back to him in spades. I’m getting emotional as I write these words, thinking about how much I love this man.
I’m not emotional because he deserved my respect for what he accomplished in this world – he does. I’m not emotional because he has so many talents and was loved by not only his friends, but mine as well – he was. My emotions and adoration come from what he did for me and the other 18 people at his house on Father’s day. He simply served us.
It was a great reminder that it truly is in our best interest to serve – whether personally or professionally. If we put the needs of our clients or team members first, we will one day soon be surrounded by people who are committed and loyal to us. And the longer we serve, the bigger the crowd gets.
We are all faced with the pressure of hitting our numbers. Every meeting we walk in, every call we make or email we send, we feel the pressure to produce immediate results. And whether we consciously make the decision or not, someone is first. And if we don’t stop long enough to remember that, in the long run, it’s always in our best interest to put others first, we will one day get to the end of our lives and wonder where everyone is? Where are the clients I did life with, who followed me wherever I went, and called me when a competitor walked in the door? Where are the people I worked with all those years? Why am I still working so hard to open new doors and relationships?
My father is a great reminder that the investment we make in others WILL one day reap the sweetest rewards.
Papa, I love you. Thanks for teaching me the power of putting others first.
