When I was working my way up through the business world, I had very few bosses I emulated. It appeared to me that to “make it” to the top, you had to work 100 hours a week and expect your employees to do the same. You had to be somewhat cut-throat and keenly competitive with others at your level within the organization. And it didn’t appear that empathy had anything to do with business.

I know a lot of that still goes on but was encouraged to read an article today in The Washington Post by Aaron Gregg and Thomas Heath about three executives from the DC area who were rated “the highest” by their employees. These are bosses you can look up for who they are – as well as for what they accomplish.

What’s cool is that these principles apply whether you’re running a small, medium, or large company. And they apply if you aren’t running a company at all! They’re simply great life ideas.

So what did these execs have in common?

• A recognition of the complicated role empathy plays in business.
• A high tolerance for risk.
• A relentless drive to achieve.
• A keen ability to recognize potential in others.
• The ability to be self-critical and to be able to learn from mistakes.

What a great reminder that no matter how much you’ve achieved, you didn’t do it on your own.

That if you have a vision, you can make it a reality when you take action.

That when you see the good in others, everyone wins.

That taking risks is part of living life to the fullest.

That making mistakes is awesome when you learn something new.

I hope you’ll take a moment to read the full article to get to know these kind leaders a little better. We have guides all around us. Sometimes they’re complete strangers. Complete, awesome, inspiring strangers. 🙂

Happy pondering this weekend!

I saw this lamp last week in Apalachicola, FL. Inspiration is all around us, yes?

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