I don't often quote Aristotle - I have a few quotes memorised and roll one out as appropriate very occasionally though because who doesn't right? Today was one of those moments.
Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny. Aristotle
I was having a closed-door meeting with one of my team and whilst a closed door often means someone is getting an attitude adjustment today it was the opposite; I was offering an opportunity to take a step up the ladder and the significant increase in remuneration that came with it.
I was rewarding this individual for his solid effort and great results, team-oriented ethos, and his work in driving the business forward by leading from the front without ego and hubris; This is what I look for in a leader. He has worked to empower others, let the team around him take credit even though he, himself, could have taken it. Well done son, that's what leaders do...And of course, I noticed.
The fellow accepted the offer and will be transitioning into a higher position, greater responsibility and opportunity to find even more success. Not once did he mention more money as he was willing to do the job on his current pay rate. Additional remuneration was part of the deal though and he walked away with an extra several thousand dollars annually; Not a massive pay rise, but enough to make some difference.
We were chatting about excellence and I found myself wondering where he picked up his work ethic. I wanted to understand what made him tick, what brought him to the belief that getting his head down, working at the small tasks, empowering others, being helpful, open and honest and willing to operate as part of a team, would push his career forward.
I found the answer I wanted expected. It's simple...He had a good reason to succeed, a good WHY and it motivated him to seek knowledge, understanding and wisdom through reading the words of others who had found those things themselves. He made a choice.
It was a cool thing to hear and I'll be honest, I saw a lot of me in him, despite the fact he's way better looking and is younger...The bastard! He has the same ethos I guess, at least in respect of leadership. He has a lot to learn sure, we all do, but he's on the way, as I was all those years ago.
I won't go into his why, it's not important here, only that he has it. But I will say that this guy's success will far outstretch my own in my opinion, and I dig that! He chooses to do what he does and his choices will carry him along just nicely I think.
Somewhere within our conversation I quoted Aristotle as above and he thanked me for it as he had not heard that quote, and had never read any of Aristotle's writing. He told me he'd rectify that of course; He's true to form, I'll give him that - He takes ownership.
I'm not really sure what this post is about. Maybe it's intended as motivation, maybe just a good-news story about someone's effort and hard work paying off...Maybe it's just a reminder that within all of us is the power to choose...To choose how and if we apply ownership and responsibility to ourselves; The power to choose our own attitude, take action, to learn, grow and develop, or the power to do none of those things - A choice in itself of course. IT's all within us.
Have you ever had to choose a path or direction for yourself that may have seemed a little difficult or less conventional? What was the result, what made you choose that path over a more easy option? Feel free to comment below and tell me about your own good news story of choosing to find success.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
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