Making It Count

Take care of the little things

Having a successful life is a function of having a series of successful years, which come from having twelve successful months that are produced by having four successful weeks, which are each made up of seven successful days. While this might seem overly simplistic, it’s a concept that very few people master, and those who do master it seem to be ultra-successful. It’s often difficult to quantify a successful day because there are so many intangibles. 
 
 

Albert Einstein said, “Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; and everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.”  This is an amazing statement coming from one of the most eminent scientists of all time. 
 
My late, great friend and mentor, the legendary Coach John Wooden, often reminded me that players like to practice three-point shots and slam dunks, and reporters and fans like to look at flashy scoring statistics, but championships are won with defense. 
 
I have the privilege of coaching and consulting with a number of organizations.  These organizations are made up of individuals whose collective success can create organizational success for everyone. It’s easy to count or measure how well sales people or manufacturing teams are performing, but when it comes to the receptionist, it can be more challenging. 
 
People often fail to look at their organization the way their customers, clients, or constituents do. It’s easy to go to work every day and evaluate from the inside out when the people you serve evaluate your performance from the outside in.  They will judge your competence and professionalism based on how someone answers the phone or how someone greets them when they enter your facility. 
 
As a blind person myself, you’ll be pleased to know that I do not drive a car even though in five of the movies based on my novels, I have actually played a chauffeur on the big screen.  Because I don’t drive, I ride in a lot of cabs and limousines, having had my own limo and driver for more than a decade.  What makes a great limousine experience is not the car.  It’s the driver.  A true service-oriented driver can turn the average taxi cab into a wonderful form of transportation, and an inattentive or rude driver can turn the most palatial limousine into an uncomfortable way to get from point A to point B.
 
If you will pay attention to details and take care of the little things, you will find that the big things take care of themselves.
 
Today’s the day!
 

 

Author Bio

Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift.  He is also a columnist and motivational speaker.  Follow @Stovallauthor