E-couragement: Lesson from the Bellhop
“Life is ever giving of itself. We must receive, utilize, and extend the gift.” Ernest Holmes At the end of a full-day learning session with a great team of leaders in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, I was headed back to my hotel. Approaching the entrance, a bellhop named Oscar hustled out to greet us. Knowing that his service could cost money, I quickly grabbed my bags and motioned to him that everything was under control. He nodded in agreement and proceeded to open the hotel door for me. Just inside the lobby, he asked, “Mr. Rich, may I shine your shoes?” Again envisioning money departing my wallet, I replied, “No thank you Oscar, I’m going to get a workout...gracias.”
Encountering the solitude of the elevator, I began to reflect on what just happened. “Wait a minute…I’m here with a client getting paid for my work. Isn't that all Oscar is hoping for—to be compensated for good work? Why am I holding onto what I’ve been given? Why not share my bounty?” Before the doors opened on the sixth floor I was convinced. My inner voice was right. I am blessed to work with amazing clients. I get paid for doing meaningful work that I am designed to do. Oscar is no different. He is great at what he does. Each time I visit he makes me feel recognized and important. All he needed was for me to “get it” and participate.
I changed into my exercise gear and headed back to the lobby. Instantly, I spotted Oscar and told him that I had reconsidered his offer. “Can you shine my shoes while I work out?” I questioned. Although he was about to complete his shift, he agreed to take care of my shoes and deliver them to my room. The investment? Two-dollars. There was a sparkle in Oscar’s eyes after I slipped him a $5 bill. Later, in my room, I found my shoes tucked in a soft, black cotton satchel. The next day the gleam from the leather caused one of my clients to comment about them.
I am grateful for teachers like Oscar. Here’s his lesson for engaging leaders. Resist the temptation to hold onto what you’ve been given. You have a responsibility to circulate the gifts you possess. In these challenging times I see leaders who are “hunkering down” in self preservation mode. I observe managers keeping ideas, information, knowledge, praise, and recognition from others in the hopes of feeling secure and protecting their own interest. This is not for you. This comes from a belief in lack, limitation, and scarcity.
Your role as an engaging leader flows from a place of abundance. Give away what you’ve been entrusted with. Yes, give it away. The ideas, information, and knowledge that you’ve spent years gathering—freely share it with others. With reckless abandon, provide sincere praise and recognition for the smallest achievement to those who surround you. By releasing and circulating what you have you’re ensuring that those you lead, and the world, are better off. That’s what a confident, courageous, engaging leader does. Thanks, Oscar, for your lesson.
Leave your comment: In what ways have you “given away” your gifts, talents, and knowledge to better serve and lead others? What results have you experienced?