It All Starts Here

Do you have a day that stands out in your mind? Something that was gravity-defying? I can tell you one of mine. For many it may seem like an ordinary day. For me it changed my life and put me on a new course of professional aspirations.

"Kaleb, we need you.  I need you."

I looked up at the man seated before me.  The words sat on my ears and I could feel them slowly began to process.  In my mind I thought Scott didn't fully understand with whom he was speaking.  After all, I had only been in my role for a year.  I didn’t believe I had accomplished much of anything at all.  Sure I had some feedback that things were going well with my team, but I didn’t overhaul the work or bring on some new multi-million dollar deal. I didn’t have leaders knocking at my door wanting to learn more about what we did as a team.  In fact, not many people knew what we even did. 

I was actually the newest member in Scott’s organization acting as a junior director of strategic partnerships.  My responsibilities among others were the effective implementation and support of those systems to aid in the sale and administration of our company’s products.  Fascinating, right?

Scott was a Vice President in charge of our key accounts and their distribution strategy.  These accounts being the largest and most profitable for our business.  He was also in charge of technology to aid in our products’ distribution.  That’s where I come in. 

He was my boss.  In fact, he was my boss's boss.

Scott's aforementioned statements came off of the back of a quite elongated monologue.  The full details I’ll spare you, but the abridged version went something like this:

"I know Heidi spoke to you about the role on her team…”

She did.

“…and I know you at first did not express much interest."

I did not.

Not only did I not express interest, but I actually laughed at the idea when she asked me about it.  Probably not the smartest of reactions when speaking to leadership.

Scott paused.  I looked up at him, wondering at the next words out of his mouth.

“You're talented.”

I lit up inquisitively, a bit surprised by the words.  It didn’t stop him from elaborating.

“You have a track record of building effective teams and demonstrating leadership.  You know our business and you have forged partnerships that will serve you well in this capacity.  If you take this job, and are successful in turning this team around, you will solidify your path to success.  If you do this, you will not regret it."

I sat there for a moment, looking at the man seated before me.  Though I was newer in my role I had known Scott for some time – the better part of three years.  He had within the past year assumed the leadership role that encompassed a variety of accountabilities amassing a wealth of talent more than 80 people strong.  He was clearly identified as a high caliber leader as he himself was chosen for this role having spent a considerable portion of his career in another area of the company.   

What seemed like hours was only seconds.  A wave of thoughts flooded my mind. 

"Thank you, Scott," I replied.  "I really appreciate the encouragement.  I will certainly give it more thought."

I cracked a slight smile and he returned the smile back.

“Okay,” he continued.  “Just know that I’ve already spoken to Rick about this and he is planning on bringing it up with Tom later this afternoon…”

My eyes became saucers.  His comment meant that his boss, a Senior Vice President and our CEO were now going to be aware that I need convincing to take on this role. 

I forced a sarcastic laugh in return.

Great…

“I’m half-kidding,” he smiled.  “We do want you to consider this, but ultimately it is your choice.” 

I walked out of Scott’s office, thanked him again, and said I would let him know my decision in the week. As a walked I could only wonder what Scott was thinking.  Did he know that he was asking someone a decade his junior to move into a role that would help define his team and the future of his organization? 

He must.  He knows what he is doing. 

Then it occurred to me.  One phrase of his sales pitch had me captivated.  It wasn’t the opportunity that the role would bring nor the path to success I would secure (or even the money), but something simpler. 

Purer. 

"You are talented."

Who knew such a short statement could change the way a person defines their sense of self? 

That was an important day for me.  It was a moment in which I believe I had found something for which I had been longing since I first embarked on a course of professional development.  Sure I wanted to live a fulfilled life and secure financial independence, but I also wanted to find that my efforts would have ripple effects that would positively benefit others.  If I could find a way to bring value to others, then I believe it is my obligation to share my approach with others so that they too may find professional satisfaction each and every day. 

And who knows?  Maybe there will be some elements of personal satisfaction hidden in here as well. 

So to start, I'll reiterate to you what was said to me that day:

"You are talented."