| In
the late spring of 1985, Elayne Bennett, wife of William
J. Bennett, then Secretary of State, urged her husband
to visit schools and teach classes. "While we were still
courting, she had seen me teach high school classes in
Portland, Maine," explained Bennett. "When I became Education
Secretary, she told me, 'You're a good teacher and people
will take you more seriously if they see you doing what
you're talking about. In addition to talking about education,
why don't you go out and show people you can teach somebody
something?'" Bennett resisted and said, "I don't do retail
now, I do wholesale." At that point Elayne persisted and
said, "If you do some retail you'll do better wholesale."
Good thinking.
...Elayne
was saying that by example her husband could demonstrate
the importance of...the teaching profession. Elayne
was also saying that the real heroes of life are "down
in the trenches," doing the job and encouraging others
to do the same.
That
thought carries a message for every business executive.
If executives are knowledgeable about every phase of
their business, they will have a greater appreciation
for what the rest of their staff is doing. Obviously,
the CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, or even a moderately
sized company, cannot know everything about every operation.
However, they should regularly explore what happens
in each department and talk with the people doing the
jobs. Not only will this interest bring them closer
to their people, but the knowledge they will acquire
will help them to more effectively lead the company.
Take these steps and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
To
receive more information about Zig Ziglar and/or to purchase his
best-selling audios and books go to www.yoursuccessstore.com
and save 20% or call 877-929-0439. |