Being Gracious
While I was in San Francisco last week on a business trip, I happened to run into Michael Jordan. Not the “fake” Michael Jordan featured in the commercial. The dude who scored about 40,000 points in the National Basketball Association.
He was sitting with a small group in the lounge at the hotel we were both staying at. I kept looking at him trying to disabuse myself of the notion that it was really him, but the more I looked, the more I was convinced. Finally, a young lady approached him and based on their conversation, it was confirmed that this was the basketball legend. The thing that impressed me was how gracious he was to her. He allowed her to take a picture and even get an autograph. As I was leaving, I reached out to him simply to thank him for years of enjoyment in watching him play. He was very kind to me and we even talked a little Sonics basketball.
Many celebrities and “stars” aren’t gracious for a variety of reasons, most not good. Michael Jordan was. Many business people aren’t gracious for a variety of reasons, and there is no excuse. I’ve seen business professionals and leaders who are rude, intimidating, callous, boorish, and plain mean. You have seen them too, I’m sure. Heck, you may have even worked for a couple of them!
How you act will forever leave marks on those you come in contact with. Michael Jordan left a positive impression on that young lady, on me, and my group. What kind of impression are you leaving in your world? Make it a good one!
This week’s quote –
“At one point in your life you either have the thing you want or the reasons why you don’t.”
~Andy Roddick, Tennis Champion
© 2012 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved
