I was 19, and it was a hot summer day in Southeastern Kansas. I was working a summer job in a bottling plant and I was finishing up a long day. My final duty for the day was helping the route drivers empty and refill their trucks. All of the drivers had been working hard since 5am, and often, when they drove in, they weren’t always in the best mood. There was one exception: His name was Tim. No matter how hot the day had been or how sore his muscles were, Tim came in with a smile thaat brightened our day. He would call us by name, had a great sense of humor, and was kind and respectful. He was the kind of person that inspires good will in others, and me and the loading team would always go the extra mile for him. He inspired us to do our best. You may wonder what happened to this young 21-year old as time went on. I know what happened to him: He married my sister and they were married for 51 years until her death in 2019.
When I think back to that day in the bottling plant nearly 60 years ago, I realize that every fine leader I have coached has those same qualities that Tim had. He was positive, friendly, helpful, respectful, and genuinely interested in others. It is no surprise that he spent his entire career in high-level leadership positions in major corporations. Tim knew how to “start by starting”, work hard, and work well with others. Wherever he was planted, he knew how to bloom, and take others along with him.
