What Kind of Person Do You Want to Become?

Lesson #40

We have a motto around our office (which usually consists of a steady rotation of coffee shops in the Twin Cities).

“Be humble.  Stay hungry.  Always hustle.”

It works for us.  Has for a long time. When you get off track it’s also important to have someone to simply remind you to get back into the groove.  A little built in accountability.  For me that someone has been Lynn for most of my professional career.

In our Ad Agency days she was my right hand.  For the second act when I was running out of hands the phone call to her was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

A few weeks ago we were working through the calendar and considering a couple of intense weeks of travel and training that prompted me to hit the pause button. She pushed back and issued a bold challenge in the form of this question:

“Ryan, what kind of person do you want to become?”

It was a funny moment that has actually provided a lot more moments of long range thinking as it relates to our business planning and performance targets.

It also made me think hard about the kind of people I want to be doing business with.

I’ve never wanted yes people around me.  I want to work with people that challenge me and the status quo to make things better.  I want to work with people that can solve problems and help invent the future.  I want to work with people that want to compete and win.

So should you.

I’d also prefer to work with people who aren’t just like me.  I have a lot to learn. Different people and perspectives help me grow and make my world of work a better place.

However, it is critical to work with people I like.  Employees, partners, collaborators and contributors.

And clients.

Our guiding principles help us make sure we are working on the right projects and with people and partners that align.  Without that alignment it is impossible to do your best work.  Next to impossible to enjoy it also.

That BIG question…

What kind of person do I want to become?

Professionally I want to do work that I love and that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Now that seems like work worth doing.

Getting there is always easier if you begin with the end in mind and surround yourself with the right people.

{Note:  Meet Lynn.  I hope she is enjoying her vacation with the family this week.}