[June 20, 2019] It is often said that the greatest leaders in the world are the ones that want you to succeed. That is true, of course. But it is also true that any leader who is jealous of or fears your success is one that can never be trusted.
“The greatest gift of leadership is a boss who wants you to be successful.” – Jon Taffer, an American entrepreneur
Years ago, my good friend Wilson, was working at an Old Navy clothing store while he worked his way through his teenage years. “Just to earn a few bucks,” he would tell me about his job. He liked retail and prided himself on extraordinary customer care. There were no tips or commission in those days; just minimum wage. He was proud of his ability, and so was the store owner.
After working in the store during the summer, Wilson was fired by the store manager. He was told that he was wasting too much time talking to customers and not enough time selling. Later, he would tell me about how shocked he was, at the time, and disappointed in himself for doing something “wrong.”
His mom contacted the owner to find out what happened. The owner, a woman named Betty M., was surprised to hear that Wilson no longer worked there and was told by the manager that Wilson had quit. Betty said that she had planned to hire Wilson fulltime with a raise. It turns out that the manager was afraid she would lose her job to someone like Wilson and had fired a few other employees who were doing well.
Wilson was fortunate that everything turned out for the best. He learned from the experience and later worked in several high-profile clothing stores like Barneys New York and Nieman Marcus. Those like Wilson with great heart are hard to find and are valuable. Great leaders recognize them quickly and take steps to ensure those employees are successful.
Wilson was following his dream. He had the vision to find it, the courage to work at it, and the resolve to follow it. It should come as no surprise that he now owns his own clothier business and a line of clothes with his name. His success is our success.
Gen. Satterfield, please keep up the good work.
I liked the quote by Jon Taffer. I followed his career. If you want to see succeed, then do the same. Find out what successful people do and think. Learn from them.
I passed your story along to my school’s students to help teach them the value of never giving up and working hard. There are rewards for doing so. In fact, this is one of Gen. Satterfield’s strongest themes. Keep on giving us those spot-on ideas to make us better leaders.
Thanks Mr. Asper.
Again, love the voice you gave to those in your life where you learned such sage lessons.
You bet! This is exactly the reason we keep reading https://www.theleadermaker.com.
Many times I found answers to my leadership questions here on Gen. Satterfield ‘s website and blog.
This “rule” doesn’t seem to apply to politics, however. I see them trying to divide and conquer us. Maybe they are not really good leaders anyway. Politicians are a breed of leader that seems to have their own set of rules. What’s up with that?
Good point.
I love your stories. Wilson must have been a great friend because you’ve written about him several times before. Keep these stories coming our way.
I agree. ???
Your comments are always what I want to say. Thank you!
… and a wonderful ending to the story.
Good story and on point. The best commander I ever had was the one when I was a Platoon Leader. He got me into courses and such to push me into doing better.
Yes, good story to reinforce his main point that the best leaders are the ones who help make us better at what we are doing.
Could not agree with you more. I too read this blog daily ( mostly daily). It’s the stories and the lessons can’t get anywhere else.
The same happened to me many years ago with my boss who said that the easiest path to success begins with people liking you and assisting you along that same path.
Good point, Bill. ?
Thank you. ?