You are, by now, well aware of my love for the ability of “others” to say things well. And, I have my favorite philosophers. One at the very TOP is The Big S. (You know who I mean don’t you? sure you do. Dr. Seuss.) For example,
“Today you are YOU. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is YOUER than you.”
Now, Big “S” was a broad reader himself. He had to get his ideas from somewhere other than Whoville. IKR.
Maybe it was from having, himself, having read the story of the 200 yr. old watch:
"A father before he died, said to his son: “This is a watch your grandfather gave me and it is more than 200 years old. But, before I give it to you, go to the watch shop on the first street and tell him I want to sell it and see how much he offers you.” He went and then came back and said: “He offered $5 father.” “Go to the museum and show that watch”. He went, then came back and said to his father, “They offered me a million dollars for this piece.” I wanted to let you know that the right place values you in the right way. Don’t find yourself in the wrong place and get angry if you are not valued. Those that know your value are those who appreciate you – don’t stay in a place where nobody sees your value.”
I’ve read and reread this story many times since I first came across it. There are at least four (4) lessons that come to my mind as I read it once again. See, if you agree: (you assign the order.)
- For the Employee – If you bring your best and do your best…and you are not recognized, Why?
- If you are an Employer or Supervisor - and you do not extend respect nor acknowledge value…and employees leave you…is there anyone to blame but you?
- If you do not bring your best every day, if you work below your potential how do you get upset with your employer for not rewarding you more than they have?
- If, as a Supervisor or Employer, you do not “invest” in your employees because you are afraid they might leave you, have you calculated the cost if they do stay?
So, one more time, do you recognize anything truer than true? There is no one alive who is YOUER than you.