Recently I read a the following: “Never compare your inside with somebody else’s outside.” If you are a leader, those are great words to embrace.
One Sunday, I had a speaking engagement in northeast Georgia. Driving back toward home, I decided to stop for some lunch at the Mall of Georgia, just north of Atlanta. As I walked into the food court, I saw an amazing example of someone who is refusing to compare their inside with somebody else’s outside.
The restaurants in the food court were buzzing. All but one, that is. There sitting in darkness was Chick-fil-A. For those of you unfamiliar with Chick-fil-A, they have made a commitment to be closed on Sundays. It is a value of the company, and they have remained true to it.
While others rake in Sunday profits, the employees of Chick-fil-A enjoy one day each week to rest and recharge. Why? Because someone in leadership at Chick-fil-A once made a fundamental decision that their values would be more important than their profits.
Too often I see leaders who do just the opposite. They act more like followers than they do leaders. It is a copycat, go with the flow, fit the mold, kind of world these days.
We look at others on the outside and make decisions, compromising our inside. We strive to be like the trendy, latest and greatest, leaders out there who seemingly have it all together. This mindset erodes our integrity and causes us to lose our way.
Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with learning from others who are successful and profitable. However, at the end of the day, there is only one you and you need to be it.
There is greatness in your life. Great ideas, great skills, and the potential for great impact.
I dare you to unleash who you are in your sphere of influence. Determine your values and stay true to them
no matter what everyone else around you is doing - even if you feel like you are living in the dark. Chick-Fil-A does and so can you.
Your uniqueness is needed, and it will make a statement to those who are watching.
“Never compare your inside to somebody else’s outside!”
i2i,
Randy
Who do you know that is value driven and successful?
Comments?
