The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Read Online Free PDF Page A

These four genius teachers you’ll meet sooner than you can imagine love their acronyms. So now I’m into their game. Not sure why; I know the habit is sort of a strange one.”
    “It is a little, to be honest, Tommy.”
    “Hey, nothing wrong with being a little eccentric. Too many people cut from the same cloth just isn’t an inspiring thing. You can’t be creative and innovative and all that juicy stuff if you’re too scared to think, feel, and be different. Be an original, Blake. Just think about it. There will never be an exact copy of the Blake Davis standing in front of me ever again. There’s only one you in the whole world now and forever more. And no one else can ever be as good a you as you.”
    “Fascinating way to look at it. I guess I’m a lot more special than I’m letting myself in on. I think I’ve been really discouraged ever since I got home from the war. But meeting you has made me feel better. Thanks for that. I wish all the other soldiers I served with could meet you. And learn all that you’re sharing.”
    “Well, don’t worry. We’ll help them. And with your assistance, we’ll get this message out to everyone across the globe who’sready to play at their peak—and lead in all that they do. I think people are ready to hear this philosophy. Life’s so short and people are waking up to their responsibility to become their best and make a difference like never before. You know the average life has only nine hundred sixty months.”
    “Really? Doesn’t seem like we live that long when you put it that way, Tommy.”
    “It’s not. Only about twenty-nine thousand days.”
    “Wow. Nine hundred sixty months or twenty-nine thousand days. I’ll have to remember that.”
    “So the time to step up to real leadership is now. Anyway, I never had a title, and as my reputation spread throughout the entire company, I refused to accept one. Just didn’t need it to do my work. By my behavior, I earned more accolades and respect than I ever thought I deserved. I was given superb store assignments. The top people at the company started listening to my suggestions to improve operations. I got those trips down to the Caribbean that everyone raves about. And the money definitely flowed to me. You don’t need a title to show some leadership , my friend. You just don’t,” he positively reinforced.
    He paused again and checked his watch. Oddly, it had a picture of SpongeBob SquarePants on the dial. I didn’t comment. This guy was beyond weird. But as I said, I liked him. And it was immensely clear that, beneath the strange exterior and the novel philosophy he was revealing to me, he had a kind heart.
    “Anyway, I really take my work seriously, and we’ve spent too much time chatting on company time, Blake. I don’t feel good about that. I know this store needs some improving, but I should tell you, Blake, this is a very special organization, and you’re pretty lucky to be here. Thanks for your time this morning.”
    “No problem, Tommy,” I responded, a bit surprised that the conversation was ending so suddenly. “I should be the one thanking you for your time. I’ve already learned a lot.”
    “You’re welcome. And remember, my friend, it’s all about LWT. Not just at work but in life. And like I mentioned earlier, you’ll understand what I’m talking about a lot sooner than you think. Get ready to be transformed. You’re going to be experiencing more work success and personal happiness than you’ve imagined in your most glorious of dreams. You’re going to be a rock star at this company. So excited for you,” he said as he raised his fist one more time, with a wink.
    “Hey, I’m getting excited for me, too.”
    “Oh, there’s just one contract I need to make with you before I take you on this very special leadership journey, Blake. And if you’re not willing to do what I need you to do, then much as I’ve enjoyed our meeting, there’s absolutely no way I can take you to meet