I'd like to make a challenge to you. 

This is a challenge that most of you may have never attempted.  And although I am fairly certain that my challenge will not be taken by everyone, I'm going to make it anyway.  But before I do, I'd like to share an illustration with you that is sure to get a chuckle from you.

As I was driving home from work the other day, I decided to stop and watch a little league baseball game. Since it's been years when I was coaching my son, I thought it would be fun to reminisce. I walked up to the fence and took in a little bit of the game. I watched baseballs go through legs, balls being thrown somewhere near first base, parents screaming and going crazy. Lots of action. I asked one of the boys on the  bench what the score was. "We're behind 14 to nothing," he answered with a smile. "Really," I said. "I have to say you don't look very discouraged." "Discouraged," the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face, "why should we be discouraged? We haven't been up to bat yet." Don't you love the attitude of a 6-year old?

Here's my challenge:  Get out of your office, walk down the hall and stick your head in someone's office who needs to be encouraged.  Tell them "that neither they nor your company have not been up to bat yet. Times might be tough but we're still swinging away."

It means the world to those individuals who are in the trenches or on the job site to have one of the 'executives' visit them. For some of you executives with nice shoes and nice shirts, you can't even imagine what that would mean if you just took a few minutes to stop by and see how the guys in the dirty shirts and boots are doing. I know you can come up with a thousand reasons why you don't have time.  Save them.  We all have one.  Get up, get out and tell them we're still swinging no matter what the circumstances are.

Why is this important?

First, because all of us see ourselves as we are. You as a leader have to see people for what they can become.

Second, we all see our limitations and failures. You have to remind of us the possibilities.

Lastly, we evaluate people by outward appearances. As a leader you have to motivate their hearts.

Your actions speak louder than words. But when your words and actions are aligned your influence will go way, way beyond whatever authority comes with your title, your position in both business and your families. If you will do this, if you will encourage the people in the trenches, you may end up losing the game but they will remember you and what you did for a lifetime.

Because you cared.

rb