First blog - August, 2011
For those of us who have flown on planes, the safety presentation/video is one of those things you have engrained in your head. (Does the buckle get inserted into the flap, or does the flap wrap around the buckle? But, I digress...)
The flight attendant tells you to put your mask on first before you assist another person. It's an interesting concept that, at first, seems counterintuitive. Shouldn't you help your fellow neighbor? George Castanza aside (Seinfeld fans), most people have an instinct to help others first, but after a moment's thought, you realize that if you pass out, who will help you? So, you have to put your mask on first.
Being great is subjective. It's not something everyone can agree on what it means. But, regardless of the meaning of greatness to you, the first step is to concentrate on being great yourself and then focus on others. A couple of concrete examples come to mind:
Work - If you are a manager, make sure you are focused on your own professional development. Then, you can focus on those who work for you. It's classic leading by example. You should exemplify the traits that you want your team to.
Life - If you are a parent, be the best you can be first. Your children will notice and be better for it. As my wife and I once read in a book about babies - "start as you mean to go on," meaning do things the way you want your kids to do them now and in the future.
Do you put your mask on first? What challenges do you face in work and in life in trying to do so? Would love to hear your thoughts. Please visit the guestbook to post comments.
Be Great Today!
