Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,
Few things fill me with more pride than seeing a young person on my staff move up in our company. We have ten centers in our fitness organization and I’m very proud of the fact that over the last few years, several staff members have gone on to become valuable players in our company. Whenever I see them at meetings, I always remind that they are always part of the team P/Fit family.
We have a young trainer who has become outstanding over the last couple of years. He’s had the benefit of great training managers and has worked with some of the finest fitness people in the industry. He’s the latest of our team who is moving up and on. For me, it’s like when the work kids leave the nest to strike out on their own. I want them to soar.
This young man has earned an opportunity in management at one of our other centers. Everyone on our team wants him to succeed. We’ve provided him with an environment that’s allowed him to learn and grow.
I’m very proud that our center in Princeton has helped develop several of the great players in our organization. They’ve gone on to other locations and they’re making a difference in our company. They’re contributing in a big way. I give the credit to our management team, especially their immediate supervisors and our management philosophy in Princeton.
As a leader, I think it’s important to share a sense of doing the right thing and to assume responsibility. It’s also about caring for the people who you are responsible for.
I’d like to share a few pieces of advice that I have given to our “work kids” as they’ve moved up and on:
- If you’re leading a team, take 10% of the credit when things are going well and take 100% of the blame when things are going wrong.
- As a manager, nothing should be below you and develop the confidence to know that you have the potential for nothing to be above you.
- Care for your people. Any fool can tear someone down. True talent comes from building someone up.
- Develop a “When the game’s on the line, I want the ball” mentality. Lead from the front and walk your talk.
- Be ready to handle problems and challenges. You can’t get upset when trouble shows up. I tell our young people that at challenging times, you need to rise to the occasion. That’s why you’re there. When things are easy and smooth, anyone can be in charge. You want to minimize problems as much as possible, but you also need to develop a “Bring it on” philosophy when things get tough.
Pay it forward to those who are in your care. In twenty or thirty years, our hopes are that you remember fondly those who have helped make a difference in your life and career.
“Never worry about the numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest to you.”
– Mother Teresa
Yours in Rotary,
Tony