How easy we forget.

How easy we forget

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

~Albert Schwietzer

Greetings!

          Have you ever needed a kick in the pants? That's a rhetorical question. We all have need of the proverbial "kick in the pants" from time to time. Perhaps a gentle or not so gentle reminder of who we are or what our true purpose is.

Knowing you are making a difference in peoples lives and drawing fulfillment and satisfaction are the things that make it all worth while. You see it in every profession and walk of life if you look hard enough. The boss who bends over backwards to help an employee. The teacher or coach who spends extra hours helping a child succeed or maybe the sales person who smiles and shows genuine concern for your need.

It seems way too easy to get stuck in routines and forget why we are really doing a particular thing. You can't do what you do just for the money because while money is a great motivator you will burn out if there is not more fulfillment.

          I got a phone call the other day that snapped me out of a long Summer lethargy. I love Summer but I tend to get a little lazy about my glass and awards business because, well because not many people are buying glass and awards in the Summer.

          The phone call was from a long time customer and friend George Klein. George is President Techno Inc, a company manufacturing Industrial equipment in New York. I've never met George but like my good friend Bob Perks says about his online friends, they are "friends I've never met."

          George orders his awards this time every year. His order is always a particular joy for me because he is always pleasant and easy to work with, plus I get to be creative with my glass work. George and I designed a special Eagle award that is particularly beautiful. There's a picture below.

We had a nice conversation catching up on the last year. George, maybe sensing a less than enthusiastic tone in my voice, said, "you know Don, I could get my awards done anywhere, but I like getting them from you because of the custom personalized nature of what you do. It is very meaningful for my people to receive your custom handmade art."

That's probably not verbatim but our conversation reminded me of why I do what I do. It was the affirmation and encouragement I needed. Thanks George.

   Everyone who receives this letter is charged with a special responsibility to lead people. I'm honored to know many of you personally and I can tell you, you are the best of the best. So let this be your "Kick in the pants". Never forget why you do what you do. You matter to more people than you will ever know.

I love you guys,

God Bless,

Don

If you are the person charged with giving awards for your company or organization this year I've written a concise little guideline you might find helpful. Here is the downloadable PDF

This a great little video on Leadership Enjoy

Unbelievable but Fall is here.

Please keep me in mind for your gift giving needs.
Also Please give me as much lead time as you can because I get really busy this time of the year.