A Doorman and Kids

        

After completing an assignment with clients, I often step back for a while before evaluating the activities and determine the perceived value realized for those I’ve served and for myself as well.

Such is the case from my return from Cyprus where I worked 2 weeks in November.  First let me say, this was probably of the best of my six trips to this island country. The seminar was well attended by a very diverse group of professionals. They were in age, gender and industry focus. But in spite of the differences, they found common ground and were very interactive with one another in breakout groups and activities. The discussions were stimulating and even challenging at times. My on-site visits to each company who attended the seminar was charged with questions and strategic thinking for on going growth considerations. Although I received high praise from attendees through the formal evaluation procedure and by personal comments made directly to me, I never know the lasting impact I may have made during such events as this. I guess I provide value because they keep inviting me back!

One of the points in my professional purpose statement is “to have a positive impact on the lives of those God has put in my path of influence.” It was on the first day of my arrival and my last day before departure that I got a glimpse of what that might look like from two different sources that had nothing to do with anything I was getting paid for!

 When I arrived at the Hilton in Nicosia I was greeted by the doorman Yhannois. He said “welcome back Mr. Lewis.” I was surprised that he remembered me since it had been 2 years since I was last in his hotel. When he carried my bags to the room I asked him how he remembered me? Was it the gray mustache, the cowboy boots or my strange American accent? “No” he replied. He said “Sir, I have the lowest job in all of the hotel, but from the very first time you came here, you’ve never treated me like many other guests do. You have always been so very kind, friendly and respectful of me. That’s why I remember you.” Wow! We then had a great conversation about the importance of what he does as the first face of the hotel guests encounter and the value he brings to his employer.

 

My last day was speaking to over 100, 15-19 year old young people from the International School of Paphos. Although my presentation was short, I felt an immediate connection with these bright-eyed kids as they considered their future. At the conclusion of the speech, I had a line of young people waiting to ask me questions. Life questions, questions about dealing with parents, professional aspirations etc.. It was energizing for me just to be with these brilliant students.

As I discussed these events with my brother, he reminded me that we are called to be “salt and light.” It is a metaphor that Jesus used to instruct his disciples to behave in a manor in this world to be Salt and Light… To 'be salt' means to deliberately seek to influence the people in one's life through good deeds, actions and speech. Salt was a valuable commodity to enhance flavor, used as a preservative and even as a means of currency. Hence the saying in negative terms, “he wasn’t worth his salt.”  Light is a symbol used to mean awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Things are much more visible with light to illuminate it.

The best leaders I know are those who possess these characteristics. But there is also the negative effect on the lives of people. An unkind attitude, haughty behavior, dismissive actions will cause people to avoid the “darkness” you have created and loss of saltiness, leaving a bitter taste.  As a matter of fact it is described as useless and should be thrown out!

 So, leaders, stay on guard daily!

1.     Remember, you can not/not communicate. Actions, words, body language all send a signal.

2.     Don’t be a high tipper in a fine restaurant and then try and beat down or cheat a poor guy trying to make a living just so you can get a better price.

3.     Pay attention to those people you walk by every day and give little regard to. Let them know you appreciate their efforts, loyalty and value.

4.     Give away the best of who and what you are. You can’t give away what you don’t have.

5.     For my Christian friends reading this, you don’t have to get in people’s face, just show the love of Christ as salt and light.

6.     You can lose your positive effectiveness quickly. One bad moment, a poor decision or a moment of indiscretion can ruin a lifetime reputation.

A family member of mine professed to be something I’m not sure she was. She started well in life, but ultimately lost her “saltiness” and left this world with bitterness and a poor legacy in the end. Being  salt and light in a dark and distasteful world is not an occasional event. It’s a life style.

Thank you my friend Yhannois, you are more than just a doorman. Thank you young people at the International School …..you have a great future. Thanks to both for reminding that a lifestyle of “salt and light” will help me Finish Well.