PEARLS OF WISDOM LIGHT UP A WONDERFUL LIFE

A remarkable man passed away this month. Remarkable comes in many shapes and sizes, and in business one expects that man to be large, to be in a leadership role and perhaps to have the trappings of success. In life, generally, the word remarkable should be used to describe an honourable man who lives with integrity, who is guided by his own inner moral compass and does the right thing when no-one is looking. By doing this he will automatically lead others.

This man lived his life quietly and with dignity, a man of few words. When he spoke, others listened. He was my teacher and role model, a huge influence in my life and work, and especially in developing my love of words and writing. How lucky I was to have feedback after co-authoring my first book, Raise Your Game® – I got a full page of feedback with suggested spelling and grammar improvements, so when writing Raise Your Profile and Raise Your Leaders™ I roped this gentleman in as my proof-reader. With each chapter he started to get more involved and eventually I had to stop him and suggest that I continue writing my book, and that he start his own! He did, his memoirs, which form part of a rich and special legacy to leave behind.

I learnt so much from his generous wisdom and sage advice. Notching up an impressive tenure with one employer, of 33 years, gave him the opportunity to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty. Originally in tax, moving to Personnel Manager and then into investments, he always reminded me that you could have 10 years experience in a job, or one year 10 times, it would be up to you. Here are a few of the other age-old pearls of wisdom that stand out:

• If you have nothing kind to say, then say nothing at all.
• Think before you speak.
• Treat others as you wish to be treated.
• Manners maketh man…courtesy costs nothing.

We have five senses. Some of us are blessed with a sixth sense, which helps us know when we should listen and when we should speak. The seventh sense, important in business and life, is a sense of humour. It will get you through the tough times, as will words of comfort.

Are you remarkable? Will you leave a legacy? Last week we celebrate Father’s Day. If you have a Dad then tell him how remarkable he is. If you are a Dad, then be remarkable.

RIP Dad.