Bunker Mentality

I've always said that I judge a person by the question- Would I ask this person to guard my back (side) in a foxhole. 

I learned this "yardstick" by which to measure people over a beer one night from an attorney that I knew. I had hired him to do some work for our company and he did a great job. The work was tough, collecting money from commercial accounts that elected not to pay. Unfortunately, I got a memo from "corporate" that said "as of now all legal work is to be done at HQ". I fought the decision vigorously, but lost. The battle was worth it because it was the right thing to do.

Back to the beer. We had a couple, on me, after I went to break the news to he and his partner in person. After a period of time he looked and me and said (imagine a western cowboy drawl) "My partner and I have discussed it (oh, great I misread the guys and they're going to sue me) and we think…. that you are the person that we'd most like to have in a foxhole with us."  I cannot tell you how honored I felt. This man was a veteran and he bestowed one the highest honors he could think of. I was touched beyond words.

Think about it for a moment. What person could you name that you would truly trust with your life? The same holds true for those who would judge you. Are you worthy of the honor?

Think of this in the context of Team metaphors and/or any situation that entails people relying on others to succeed. Instead of just thinking about those that could guard your back, think about whom, if anyone, would choose you to guard theirs. If you are a "lone wolf" out in the business world alone you may APPEAR to be successful, but are you really? Are you myopic in your thoughts and actions that you may have created success, but possibly at the expense of others? Do your friends think of you as the person most likely to steal their boy/girlfriend, or watch their child?

Earn the right to guard someone by your actions; others will willingly guard you as a result.

You can never have too many friends, especially if they're a good shot!

Carpe Diem!

Back Issues of the Bully Pulpit

Selling and Sleeping at Night

Gut Checks

Bunker Mentality

Managing From Your Eulogy Backwards

Make the Golden (Rule)

Testimonials