I have finally done it! I'm free! Technically speaking I have ended up right back where I started my time on earth, debt free. I've finally achieved financial freedom. That only took 34 years. What!? When I say it out loud like that it's saddening. What should I do with all of this extra time you may ask? Spend it with my wife and kids? No, I'm not there yet. Perhaps God will bless me with a wife and kids one day. How about help others find an outlet for life's bumps in the road? Not quite. Ok. I've got it. I'll start blogging about my experiences in leadership that changed my life with the hope that it will change yours too.
So then, now that that's settled, where should I start? How about simply what I told my fellow employees just a few weeks ago at my resignation party? Sounds good to me. Here's my best shot at recreating the words that came from my heart on that final day.
Thank you. It's great to be with you one last time. And for those of you that have been here from the beginning, you'll understand that this is a bitter-sweet feeling. We have enjoyed so much success and come such a long way that it is hard to imagine what it was like in the beginning. I recall all of the strife, in-fighting, bickering, arguing, back-stabbing, injuries, and resentment. Now we are the best. Don't let anyone ever take that away from you. Many have asked how we did it. It's actually so simple that few believe the formula. I want to share with you how we accomplished this.
No joint venture can start without true mutual respect. To the best of my abilities we have set a tone for mutual respect. I have made it a standard to treat everyone with equal and mutual respect. Regardless of position or title we are all treated in a similar manner under similar circumstances. I have never pandered to bosses, peers, or subordinates. It is evident that we all have followed that lead. We are professional, and we focus on results. We don't hold back our thoughts or words because we are fearful of how others may react. We know that we will be treated with respect. I challenge you to continue to carry this standard forward from today.
Along with the respect came freedom and trust. I respected your professional ability and demonstrated this in a real way. I cannot stress the import of this enough. We have set very few rules. These being only in regards to caring for our own selves, caring for our families, our professionalism, and our responsibilities. All else has been left open for you to discover the most efficient way to get the job done. In this manner we have unleashed 75 entrepreneurs in the stead of one single dictator. We have benefited from this tremendously. We now make enough food to feed three times as many people without adding a single hour to our work day. Now three times as many of our neighbors can spend their days inventing new things instead of worrying about gathering their food. This is a great feat. We have provided a great wealth for our society.
Lastly, I'd like to leave you with a small bit of personal philosophy. Let no one control who you are. No other person on this earth can control your mind or your body. You and you alone define your happiness. Happiness is different for all of us. No one can tell us when, where, or what should make us happy. Free yourself from those that would plan your life for you and you will indeed set your whole self free. Do not emulate those on T.V. or those in magazines or those in movies. Be your own self. Discover your self. Define your happiness. You are a wonderful creation. Live your life, and love your life. May God bless you all. Thank you.
Copyright © Robert Clinton Chedester 2012
So then, now that that's settled, where should I start? How about simply what I told my fellow employees just a few weeks ago at my resignation party? Sounds good to me. Here's my best shot at recreating the words that came from my heart on that final day.
Thank you. It's great to be with you one last time. And for those of you that have been here from the beginning, you'll understand that this is a bitter-sweet feeling. We have enjoyed so much success and come such a long way that it is hard to imagine what it was like in the beginning. I recall all of the strife, in-fighting, bickering, arguing, back-stabbing, injuries, and resentment. Now we are the best. Don't let anyone ever take that away from you. Many have asked how we did it. It's actually so simple that few believe the formula. I want to share with you how we accomplished this.
No joint venture can start without true mutual respect. To the best of my abilities we have set a tone for mutual respect. I have made it a standard to treat everyone with equal and mutual respect. Regardless of position or title we are all treated in a similar manner under similar circumstances. I have never pandered to bosses, peers, or subordinates. It is evident that we all have followed that lead. We are professional, and we focus on results. We don't hold back our thoughts or words because we are fearful of how others may react. We know that we will be treated with respect. I challenge you to continue to carry this standard forward from today.
Along with the respect came freedom and trust. I respected your professional ability and demonstrated this in a real way. I cannot stress the import of this enough. We have set very few rules. These being only in regards to caring for our own selves, caring for our families, our professionalism, and our responsibilities. All else has been left open for you to discover the most efficient way to get the job done. In this manner we have unleashed 75 entrepreneurs in the stead of one single dictator. We have benefited from this tremendously. We now make enough food to feed three times as many people without adding a single hour to our work day. Now three times as many of our neighbors can spend their days inventing new things instead of worrying about gathering their food. This is a great feat. We have provided a great wealth for our society.
Lastly, I'd like to leave you with a small bit of personal philosophy. Let no one control who you are. No other person on this earth can control your mind or your body. You and you alone define your happiness. Happiness is different for all of us. No one can tell us when, where, or what should make us happy. Free yourself from those that would plan your life for you and you will indeed set your whole self free. Do not emulate those on T.V. or those in magazines or those in movies. Be your own self. Discover your self. Define your happiness. You are a wonderful creation. Live your life, and love your life. May God bless you all. Thank you.
Copyright © Robert Clinton Chedester 2012