Page 132 - The Way to the Top
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approval from was simple, but for me incredibly insightful and
illuminating.
He continued. “Could just be me, but my guess is that you might not
want to put disgruntled ex-employees or managers who can’t get the job
done on your list of who you are seeking approval from. Be respectful in
your interactions with everyone but be a lot more selective in terms of
whose approval you seek.”
A twenty-minute casual conversation with a wise and caring person who
was my friend as much as my counselor gained me some incredible
advice. I quickly came to realize that seeking approval from my wife and
family would help to keep me grounded and living my personal values, not
just at home but at the workplace as well. At the office, I recognized that I
needed to seek approval from just a few key constituents—my boss, our
Board, and our key team members.
Today I continue to take Fielding’s thoughtful words to heart. When you
must make difficult decisions, you’re not going to be liked or approved of
by everyone. I gain comfort in the knowledge that by doing what I believe
is right for the company and performing well for those people whose
approval I seek, in the long term I will have done my best for my company
and our employees.
Serve the company, not the chattering crowds
