Putting the Focus on What Truly Matters…

I trust that you’re enjoying this American pastime of a long early September weekend with friends and family. To me, Labor Day is always a time of thankfulness, reflection, and celebration for the American workforce – the most dynamic and productive the world has ever known. Labor Day is indeed a holiday for everyone, from all walks of life and all creeds.

As you read today’s special message, ponder this thought – ultimately, all we really have is what we give away.

Some have known work since as far back as they can remember (I suspect this was more common for people my age than for younger generations). My working life began at the age of 14, and it has continued uninterrupted for five decades. Little did I know that a scrappy young teenager would embark on a journey ultimately driven by a big vision and purpose! 

I’m among the fortunate few who have never faced a period of unemployment, not even one day. And just a few months before this career began, I had a dream about someday speaking to hundreds of people about what I was learning and what I wanted to become. Now, TRC Nexus gives me this audience, and I am forever grateful to you for reading it.

My career led me to found The Results Company, and our vision statement is: North Carolina is a state where businesses and citizens maximize economic and educational opportunities to prosper in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s a big vision indeed. It comes from history and my personal faith, which shouldn’t be surprising to regular readers. The following are my words summarizing a section from Jon Meacham’s book American Gospel: 

Projecting our values is never easy. It takes decades, and it begins with a story — our story: how a young nation overcame its worst instincts to embrace the truth that freedom is the greatest virtue, and from it flow justice, faith, and prosperity.

America’s story of religious freedom is far from perfect. It bears the scars of slavery, Jim Crow, and persistent poverty. Yet through centuries of trial, we have remained, in John Winthrop’s words, a “city upon a hill.”

To preserve that city, we must resist division. Christians who see the secular as godless are as wrong as secularists who dismiss the religious as zealots. Faith demands humility — acknowledging mystery, as Saint Paul wrote, “seeing through a glass, darkly, but then face-to-face” (1 Cor. 13:12). The secular, too, must offer full respect, as respect must flow both ways. Without civility, no progress is possible.

Meacham wrote this book to urge Americans still shaping history to treat each other with respect, defend liberty, and foster generosity. Call it sentimental if you wish. I call it the work of our Founders and the legacy of every American who chose idealism over cynicism.

Similarly, I share this belief, which is why The Results Company has the vision statement it does. Call me sentimental if you wish; I call it possible.

What I’ve learned over the years is that when one zooms out far enough, it becomes clear that we all labor together. We all pursue our own interests, of course, but we do it as one giant body that together propels forward this incredible country we’re fortunate enough to call home.

We all face and (hopefully) overcome our own personal obstacles in our journey. However, in doing so, we elevate those around us. Much like David facing Goliath, my first giant was starting a new career after leaving a safe and stable company to build this business. Another giant was experiencing financial loss during the Great Recession of 2008-2010. Yet I remained focused on creating a better North Carolina, much like David standing before Goliath. 

Somehow, David knew he was facing a giant he could defeat. David prepared for the day he would face his giant. David knew how to protect his flock, strike the right spot, and finish the job. Every day, I, like you, must decide who will control my life — myself, some giant, or God. As I focus more on God, trust replaces fear and worry. Spending time with God not only boosts my confidence but also helps me see what really matters and what doesn’t.

Energy and time are valuable, finite resources. Therefore, I must use them wisely by focusing on what truly matters. I trust God will guide me on how to spend my time and energy – for His Word is a lamp to your feet; My presence is a light for your path (Psalm 119:105).

What do faith, facing giants, how we spend our time, and The Results Company’s vision statement all have in common? What really is the common thread that binds us all as we labor together?

The answer is grace: how we, as leaders, guide ourselves and our teams. Consider these impactful thoughts from Gary Burnison’s book, The Five Graces of Life and Leadership: 

Grace is the gift of goodwill. It moves us forward – elevating above any circumstance – and always along the high road. Grace is what makes us inherently human – the better self that shines a light for others.

Grace is an action. Unearned and unmerited, grace is present within each of us. It’s as old as human history – present in all major cultures and religions. In Greek mythology, the three daughters of Zeus were known as the three Graces: Aglaea, Euphrosyne, and Thalia. Their names – translated as brightness, joyfulness, and bloom (among others) – were the gifts they gave to humanity. For us, the gift is the goodwill of a human nature that is predisposed to helping others. We have joy when others are fulfilled. 

Grace is perspective. Images that come to mind may be a dancer’s poise, an athlete’s fluid motion. But true grace emerges through pressure and sometimes fire.

Grace is that voice of humility that continually whispers, “It’s not about you…” It calls us to accountability, responsibility, and action. After all, the accountability we want to see in others starts with each of us.

No matter if we lead a team of five people or 50,000, or only ourselves, we need the Five Graces. Each is an invaluable, radically human trait that, in the aggregate, literally composes the word grace:

• Gratitude: The attitude that lifts our hearts and elevates our spirits.
• Resilience: It makes the impossible possible.
• Aspiration: Knowing that we can make tomorrow different and better than today.
• Courage: Not “no fear,” but rather to “know fear” – and move beyond it.
• Empathy: Meeting others where they are to understand who they are.

Many people reading this today may wonder how they can live for something greater than themselves, using their business platform to positively impact North Carolina for the greater good. I encourage you to reflect on your own journey – because energy and time are precious, limited resources. Use them wisely, focusing on what truly matters. 

Ultimately, all we really have is what we give away. It’s why we need to lead with The Five Graces.

With a grateful heart,