Earl Nightingale was one of the most influential people in my life. But we never met. I wished we had.
Dubbed the Dean of Personal Development, Earl recorded over 7,000 radio programs and 250 audio programs. I’ve listened to hundreds of his recorded Insight messages since the mid-80s.
Earl’s Pearls
I must have gone through his most popular program Lead The Field a dozen times or more. And I’ve given away numerous copies to people I care about as the pearls of wisdom (I refer to as “Earl’s Pearls”) are timeless and priceless.
So I’ve decided to capture these pearls and translate them into every day ‘property manager speak’ so you can apply them in your life immediately. My reference book for this series is his written compendium of life lessons entitled The Essence of Success.
Today’s Pearl
Earl often quotes from snippets of other people’s works. In today’s pearl, he offers us a story written by Bruce Barton. It’s about a group of men recalling the endearing qualities of a recently deceased man.
He was a very ordinary man with ordinary talents. His speeches were neither original nor profound. Yet he was able to captivate audiences and build an institution that influenced thousands.
How did he do it? One of the men recalled that “He merely forgot himself. When he spoke, his imperfections were lost in the glow of enthusiasm…He abandoned himself utterly to his task; and the task molded him into greatness.”
The PM Takeaway
As a property manager, have you ever shared a story with so much enthusiasm you actually forgot yourself for the moment?
If you think about it, it’s almost an out-of-body experience. It happened to me a few times.
In 1994 I was attending a large company meeting and was listening to a colleague provide an update on the state of affairs in our region.
As I watched, I got a tap on my shoulder. It was the CEO. He asked him to give an update on our tenant survey program…to the entire group…and I was up next!
Aghast at the thought of speaking in public, let alone cover something with zero preparation time, I was shaking in my boots.
But maybe he knew something I didn’t. I loved our tenant survey process as it allowed for so many great things to learn and create for our customers.
When I stood up, I completely forgot myself. I slipped into a gear and spoke without knowing what was coming out of my mouth. The audience could see it too. After five minutes, I had them laughing so hard some were crying.
People came up to me afterward telling me how funny I was and how that segment was the best of the entire program.
I was funny? I really didn’t remember much. What happened? I had no idea at the time. But now I know what it was. I completely forgot myself and something deep inside me took over.
Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been so enthusiastic about a subject you could talk people’s ears off for hours? Have you ever felt like an unconscious urge takes over?
Since then I’ve had the chance to give talks on numerous occasions. Some were painful, but others were magical.
And the magic happens when you forget yourself, or simply lose yourself by conveying your passion with your audience. It could be your team, your peers, your committee, or your executive leadership.
5 Minutes to Win It
Before your next team meeting, think about an item on your agenda that you’re passionate about. If there aren’t any, add one! This is important.
It could be an inspiring quote you can share that makes your team think differently about customer service. Or you can refer to any of my other Earl’s Pearls for ideas.
Whatever it is, spend a few minutes in thought about why it matters to you and what your team can think about. Transfer your feelings from inside you by conveying it to them so they can put their own spin on it and impart this wisdom to their customers.
When it’s meeting time, share the quote and get their feedback. Ask them to think about it, and as they do, convey your take on its significance. Get them talking about it. Ask them what else it could mean to look for deeper meaning.
The time you take with them is priceless because the quality of the interaction includes sharing perspectives and ideas that might not have ever surfaced. And you’ll all get more enjoyment from the regular old staff meeting!
Feedback
If you experienced something beneficial, however briefly it may have been, please let me know. I’d love for you to share your thoughts, ideas and struggles with me. I read every email I receive.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Thanks to Earl for inspiring me to pass this message onto you.
To your perpetual success!
