Is That Person Breathing?
While on a conference call with my mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell, I was able to learn about a conversation that impacted him greatly. During a dinner with Truett Cathy, the founder of Chik-fil-A, Truett looked at John and said, “Do you know how to tell if someone needs encouragement?”
John asked, “How?”
He quickly responded, “That person is breathing.”
This nugget of truth that Dr. Maxwell gleaned during a dinner meeting is the same nugget the leader I mentioned in the story above learned. People need motivation like they need the air they breathe. It’s a necessity, not a luxury.
Canlis is one of the best fine dining restaurant in the world. It is located in Seattle and has been around since 1950. It is known for impeccable customer service. Guests come from all over, trusting the staff with their special moment—whether it’s a proposal, a special celebration, or even the last meal a family may have together because of a terminal illness. Canlis masterfully creates an unforgettable experience for their guests during these special moments they are sharing. A tradition they’ve held to over the years is a pre-dinner service huddle with the whole staff before show time. The team gathers together in a circle on the dinning room floor and repeats the mantra “KEEP THE PROMISE.”
They remind their staff to keep the promise by delivering the best dining experience their guests will ever receive. In fact, that saying is something they post on the wall of the restaurant for all to see. Owner Brian Canlis said, “Keeping the promise is ensuring guests come first with what is fragile and precious to them on that particular evening. How dare we put ourselves in the spotlight when what is important for our guests is what is on their minds and hearts when they come.” Canlis truly knows what it takes to keep their team motivated to be the best each day they come to work.
We can never tire of giving encouragement to others. It is an unending commitment that produces highly motivated people. The more you fill the motivational tank of your team the further they can go.
* Taken from my book LEADOLOGY: 12 Ideas To Level Up Your Leadership available on Amazon Prime here.
