I loved my father dearly. He had a significant impact on my upbringing, my work ethic, and my positive outlook on life. Two other men also are role models for me. I worked for one (John), and the other (Bill) was a neighbor who became a dear friend for years. Both told me they thought of me like a daughter. I was touched in both cases.
It always amazes me how something someone said – a sentence, a brief conversation – can stick with me for years. Yet, I forget so many other things! I imagine you’ve experienced this, too.
I worked for John for years. One day, he told me he believed I could strive for more. He questioned who I was spending time with at work because, from his viewpoint, they were not good influencers for me. He said, “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Initially I was insulted, but it made me assess what I was doing with these friends and why. Over time, I spent less time with them and realized he was right. He never brought it up again, but he encouraged me to stretch my goals and set my sites higher. He sought opportunities for me, acting as my first sponsor before I knew what that term meant. I appreciated him greatly and valued his perspective.
Bill always held me in high regard. I’d kid that he saw me through rose-colored glasses. When he’d say he thought of me like a daughter, I knew he was going to give me his opinion about something I had said or done, always diplomatically and with the caveat that I could do what I wanted.
He was in awe of my travels to facilitate a leadership program for women who worked for a global company in different parts of the world. He couldn’t believe I enjoyed traveling alone to cities in Europe and Asia, exploring by walking, unescorted. He’d say, “No daughter of mine would be permitted to do that.” I’d chuckle and tell him more about the trip.
Both John and Bill are excellent role models for good leadership. John was VP for an international company and Bill had been CEO for a U.S. chain. First and foremost, they were gentlemen with integrity. They assumed someone was trustworthy until they acted otherwise. They had empathy for people at all levels and a knack for remembering names. They’d remember bits about someone’s personal experiences and ask specifically how they were doing. They treated everyone with respect and expected others to do so. They were dedicated to their roles and developed others to rise to next levels. Other attributes they exhibited that made them special in my eyes: good sense of humor, consistent, admirable behavior, humility.
On this Father’s Day, I am thankful for my dad, John and Bill. I thank my lucky stars for their influence in my life. They are treasures I will always remember
