John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

April 18, 2016 Issue 378

Real Loyalty 
(a lot more than a reward card)
Dear ,

 

Welcome to Issue 378.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it. Did you miss a previous issue?  Click here to view an Archive.   

Today's Loyalty/Reward Programs
Many retailers offer loyalty points or credits. It's such a hot topic that Starbucks made headlines on Wall-Street this week simply by changing its loyalty program. However, what is genuine loyalty? Is it just a marketing tool to bring in more business and a ploy of Madison Avenue or is it something else? 
Real Loyalty
This reminded me of a real loyalty lesson I learned years ago. This is the story of an attorney who took great pride in his appearance by exercising vigorously and eating sensibly (expect for hot fudge Sundaes). His tailored suits were crisply pressed; he wore French Cuffs, and his shoes well-polished. His attire was always tasteful and stylish. He was a highly respected leader in his profession, in his civic and charitable work, and in his church.

The attorney's wife (Mary Elizabeth) was also very stylish and a lovely lady. However, things out of order, such as an uneven hung picture or wrinkled clothes, really bothered her.  
The Barber
The year is 1974 and the attorney is getting his usual two week hair cut with the same barber he's had for over 25 years. Long sideburns are in vogue so the attorney decides he will let his sideburns grow. Over a period of several months, Mary Elizabeth points out that one sideburn keeps getting longer and the other shorter. He keeps promising that the barber will fix it the next time. In exasperation, Mary Elizabeth finally tells him he has to find a new barber.  The attorney then confesses "My barber is going blind and I am his only client. If I quit him, what will happen to him? I will not abandon him."

The attorney chose loyalty and the dignity of his barber over his own appearance or criticism of others. That attorney was named Norman Gordon, my father and mentor, whose birthday is this month.  
Exercise
This week I invite you to reflect on the following:

1.     Is there a time that you swallowed your own pride, like Norman Gordon,to preserve the dignity of another?

2.     Be observant of any situation in your business or personal life where you could put aside your own need to be right or look right in order to build the self-esteem or confidence of someone else.

 

3.     To whom are you loyal? 
  
"My barber is going blind and I am his only client. If I quit him, what will happen to him? I will not abandon him."
 - Norman Gordon 

JOHN'S BIO
John has owned several businesses and is an attorney who has practiced in the business and estate  areas.  In addition, he coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters.  He also coaches persons who are determined to accelerate their careers and leadership skills or who are considering a career move or retirement.  John uses coaching as a tool in his leadership and business results based consulting.  He is also a life coach.

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**