Fishing with a Friend

Today’s blog has nothing to do with leadership…at least it sounds this way.

 

I went fishing today with Dave Gillogly.  Besides being a successful executive and former president of Express Personnel www.expresspersonnel.com , Dave has a heart that would make Christ smile. There is no BS in Dave. I love his frankness and sharp mind.  If he likes or dislikes something, you know it immediately.  In today’s world of choosing our words so carefully to not offend anyone, this is very refreshing.  So when I get to spend time around people like Dave, I try to ask a lot of questions and shut up and listen. 

 

I am fascinated by people, especially bright and innovative thinkers. After reflecting on our conversation today, I made a commitment to invest more time with exceptional thinkers like Dave.  However, this is contrary to the habits of most successful people.  As we gain notoriety, create wealth and absorb power, we are the less likely than ever to listen to others.  Why do we need to listen to others if we believe we are the smartest person in the room?  A friend of mine who is a confidant to several billionaires said, “Matthew, as people gain wealth they lose their hearing. They become deaf.”

 

Remember what James said, “be quick to listen and slow to speak.”

 

Are you listening today like you did when you were younger and poorer?  Do you still seek out and listen to those smarter than yourself?  Remember gaining wealth, power and success does not mean you are any smarter today than before.  On the contrary, you may be going deaf and becoming more ignorant as you gain material success.  Are you willing to surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth…even when it hurts? 

 

For the record…we did not catch many fish today but believe it or not, a fish actually jumped in our boat!