Many times I have doubted myself when things are not going well and wondered why anyone would want to put their “bets” on me. I would guess it has happened to all of us including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in their early days.
But then, something happens that is unexpected. Someone puts their hand on your shoulder and says something like: “You can do it, you are good.” Wow, what a change that can make in your attitude and performance. It works with me.
I am a fan of NASCAR and IRL racing and love the stories and quotes the owners and drivers come up with. They fit with leadership and business so well. Bobby Rahal, former driver and with David Letterman owns an Indy Racing League team. He said in USA Today: “Sometimes you doubt yourself when things aren’t going well. You become a pessimist. I sure got nervous. My Dad kept telling me, ‘You’re a good driver, and every time you get into a race car you’re fast.’ You just need somebody to treat you like that.”
You and I need that reassurance……..but the more important part is we have to pass that on to our team every day. We all need a pat on the back to keep that positive approach, along with a “Thank you.”
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Howard Putnam speaks on leadership, change, transformation, customer service, teams and ethics. The National Speakers Association inducted Howard into the CPAE (Council of Peers Award of Excellence) Speakers Hall of Fame in 2005. He also is accredited as a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional).
This article was originally included in Howard Putnam’s Leadership eSeries. You can sign up to receive his weekly thoughts on leadership by going to: http://www.howardputnam.com/eseries.asp
