This week's Pep Talk: "Tone at the Top"

Whenever giving a Pep Talk, the subject of being joyful for the blessings of life always is discussed. The stories, depending upon audience, may be different but each encourages others to be joyful for blessings: health, employment, relationships, children or friends – whatever. Most of us have something to be joyful about, right?

Each week I get to encourage you, and others, to effectively deal with change, challenge and adversity in ways inspiring you – and me - to play like a champion in the game of life – I am blessed. I have two wonderful kids chasing, in healthy and productive ways, honorable goals; I also have, after two painful divorces and fear I’d never find a compatible mate, an absolutely darling girlfriend who has captured my heart.

Kathleen Anne Gans: Business leader, mentor to many – including my children – and a gift to me. Because she’s so successful in business, each year as a senior vice president, she’s a leader at her company’s “Superstar” weekend where rank-and-file employees are honored for their success the prior year. I get to tag along.

A few years ago, I’ll never forget opening night. In the Virgin Islands, the company’s personable president addressed the gathered throng of successful employees, significant others and other team leaders. In concluding comments, the quick-witted, fun-loving and smart man challenged the team to remember, “Tone at the Top.” He was talking about, what I believe is a real truth – home, work or community - leadership starts with example.

We talk endlessly about how to do something effectively. But do we exhibit the proper behavior? Trust me folks, it’s far more effective, and efficient, to show others the path to prosperity. In other words, what we have heard forever: “actions speak louder than words” is true and should be embraced.

I know it’s not easy. I know it’s tough work. Let’s remember another long-held belief that has stood the test of time: truly worthwhile accomplishments require three things: hard work, sacrifice and dedication.

Imagine the legacy we’d leave to our children and others, if they looked back on our lives and said moments defining our dash were characterized by hard work, sacrifice and dedication? That’d be cool wouldn’t it?

Imagine this: If, in watching our example, they decided to live their lives in similar fashion? Your “tone at the top” inspired them to live their lives in ways that honor, nurture and add value to the communities they serve?

Hanging in my darling girlfriend’s corporate world reminded me of this great truth. I hope hanging in my world has done the same for you.