A Team of One

Following up on my "Giving Thanks" blog post, I'm writing today about people whom you help in their career; and then they forget that if it weren’t for you, they wouldn’t be where they are today.

I will address this using a generic name so that my readers (of which he is one of them) do not know to whom I am referring. Let’s just call him Mr. Miller.

Typically, this type of character is hiding somewhere in the company, and is definitely on the CEO's list to be terminated. So, you step in and find some value in Mr. Miller, because that’s what a good manager does. And you present an opportunity for him. You continue to stick by your decision and validate Mr. Miller's employment with others in the company.

As the story unfolds, Mr. Miller catches some breaks and ascends to a key role in the company. Sure, it was deserved in some aspects, but Mr. Miller could never make the all-star team. All-stars embrace the concept of the "team"; non- all-star players are a team of one. All-star players are grateful and thankful for opportunities that were given to them, to this day. They know how to say "thank you" and pay it forward.

Mr. Miller never did say "thank you." Too bad for him. Lots of coal in his stocking!

Have a safe Holiday Season.