I consider my 40+ year professional career in service, tourism and hospitality to be a successful one - and it is still progressing in that direction. Many continue to applaud my actions and shower me with praises for my accomplishments. While I appreciate these accolades, it is always “WE” did it together and seldom “I” did it alone. The journey to success is traveled together with many by your side. The teams that you lead, guide, and direct are the heroes and should always be acknowledged.
Without them, there would be no me. We achieved success together.
In every successful business, every team member plays an important role. They are the cogs on a wheel. Without them, there would be no wheel. Without the team, there would be no business. Let me share with you two stories that have inspired me throughout my career and my life and will continue to inspire me for years to come.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
A journalist was visiting NASA to report on the agency and its work. He interviewed staff from various departments to learn about their roles and responsibilities. While washing his hands in the restroom, he met an attendant who was cleaning the floor. With eagerness, he asked the attendant what his role was at NASA. The response from the attendant was spirited and enthusiastic, “I help put a man on the moon.” Yes, he was part of the NASA team and his role was equally as important and meaningful as all the engineers and scientists.
HALEAKALA
In the heart of the island of Maui in Hawaii, lies the majestic volcano known as Haleakala. Climbing to the top of this volcano is a challenge that is sought by many every year. At the top, the air is fresh, the views are amazing, and the sunrise and sunsets are spectacular. A wiseman once told me that while reaching the summit of Haleakala is truly an accomplishment, it can be very lonely up there by yourself. Would it not be better if you were at the top together with the team that helped to get you there.
It is always “WE”; seldom “I". Throughout my career, I am fortunate to have surrounded myself with brilliant, motivated, dedicated, and talented professionals. Most of the successful ideas were theirs and they were the executors of those ideas. I constantly told the team to never come to the office with problems, but instead with solutions. There isn’t a problem we cannot solve together. We rise to the top together. I would not be here today if not for all of them around me over the years. Wish I could name all of them but they know who they are and how they made a difference.
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