When I think about the leaders in my life, it is difficult to not be appreciative of the fine examples that I have had the honor of following. There certainly have been those that have brought dishonor to the role of leader, but lessons were found in those experiences, as well. And well…, I crave learning. Learning the hard way isn’t so much fun, but the lessons stick and that type of learning stimulates growth and change. Growth and change are what create the adults and professionals we become and, hopefully, drive success. It isn’t always easy but it usually is worth it.
In 1990, I began working for a children’s dentist. He had already been in practice since 1963. He loved his work and struggled for years with the concept of retirement. He finally retired just two or three years ago but it was on his own time, under his own terms. I believe he was close to 80 years old when his office doors finally closed. He had gone to dental school in Chicago, my kind of town, and then perfected his craft in the army. I think working on all those tough guys made him realize he wanted to specialize in children’s dentistry and that is where he stayed until the day he turned over his keys. I used to catch him shadow boxing and doing push-ups, as well as sit-ups between patients. One time, I asked why he always worked out, why he didn’t just take it easy and enjoy some time off. He said “There’s plenty of time for that later, I need to be in shape for the kids.”
Each of us does what we have to do, what we think needs to be done, in order to succeed and sometimes, merely survive. Dr. Friedman, my hard-working dentist, wasn’t your typical leader but he was a good example; he provided for his family and for his employees, always. He wanted to be good at his job and his employees were devoted. One assistant worked for him for forty years, his office manager was with him for over twenty, I was there for thirteen years. The fact that he was able to retain loyal employees says a lot about the employer he was and the work he did. He led by example. And we stayed because the work was fulfilling and we felt needed and appreciated.
Of course, not every employer makes employees feel this way. As a matter of fact,sadly, most do not. Most people do not stay with a company because of the money – they stay because they feel appreciated by and they like their boss or their colleagues. Leadership doesn’t have to be sparkly or done with a big bang. It can be subtle, quiet, and even gentle, as was the case with Dr. Friedman. The rise of this Phoenix was slow and methodical, taking over forty-five years to reach the destination: the finish line.
We follow for reasons. They may seem unfulfilling or less than mighty, to begin with. But the following happens, nonetheless. Believing in reasons and not excuses, I try to remember those I chose to follow, those whose influence changed me – those whose example and attention altered my core. In the study of reasons, the lessons have more clarity and the application of what was learned becomes more native and real. Reasons are there, you just have to open your eyes to them. And with open eyes, there is clearer vision; vision to apply lessons learned and examples shared. The passing of the Phoenix Infection not only happens, it should be expected.
**The Phoenix Infection is a ten-part series written by Rayanne on leaders and why we follow them…
Why We Follow, part 1
The Rising, part 2
The Leader Within, part 3
We Follow for Reasons, part 4
Your One Thing, part 5
Seeking the Right Level, part 6
Into the Fray, Part 7
Thought Leadership, part 8
Rayanne Thorn, @ray_anne is the Marketing Director for the online recruiting software company, Broadbean Technology. She is also a proud mother of four residing in Laguna Beach, California, and a contributor for Blogging4Jobs. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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