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Tip
of the Month: September 2006
Fill it with Gratitude please
Dear Friends,
Why is it that some brand new people can come into a new company, new
industry, even sometimes new to their profession (sales or not) and begin the
journey to the top of their careers at a lightning rod pace?
Why is it that people who started on the above described trek, shot to the top,
stayed their for several years, but in recent times began “Caretaking” their
careers, only to be swimming in mediocrity while suddenly surpassed by new individuals?
Perhaps they’re just in a slump? Maybe it’s a run of bad luck? Maybe
they’re burnt out? Or maybe the new people are just that much better?
Twenty five years ago I got my first sales job. It took me six months to land
the “job of my dreams.” I was so enthused about my new position and
I was 100% `committed to being a success. In my mind, the future could not look
brighter. I had the great title of “Account Executive.” I had a generous
commission plan. I was working for the number one company in the market. My boss
was great. It was all upside. I was GRATEFUL to have landed such an opportunity.
I took advantage of it and my productivity began moving me up the food chain.
Meanwhile, there were some veterans (certainly not all of them), formerly top
producers, who’s opinions were directly opposite of mine. They were quick
to point them out to me. They had been passed up for promotions. They had their
compensation changed too many times. The boss had many flaws. The company wasn’t
as strong as in the past. Our price was too high. And on and on went the kind
of thinking that just weighs you down. We had the same programs, in fact, theirs
was even better than mine, but our views were in direct opposition.
On the other hand, the very top producers in the company did not share the same
views as those more cynical. They too were GRATEFUL to have the opportunity,
GRATEFUL for their success and GRATEFUL to be part of the team.
This is the point. First, the very best treat their careers with the same vigor
and enthusiasm that they had when they were starting out. All they see is upside.
Secondly, when we lose our gratitude, we lose EVERYTHING AND THERE IS NO UPSIDE.
It’s been my experience that lost gratitude creates lost opportunity. Lost
gratitude gets in the way of our positive energy. With no positive energy we
make very little effort. And when we make little effort we usually get little
results. I’ve found it to be the way of the world, regardless of what we
do for a living.
Don’t lose your gratitude or you’ll lose everything. Work today like
you were brand new in the job….It’s all upside. Have a GRATEFUL day.
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