When I was in my teens, Ernie Gould was my hockey coach. Ernie took a true interest in all of his players. Coach made himself available whenever anyone needed a little extra help.

If I needed a ride to the rink, he’d go out of his way to pick me up and take me home.

Fifty years later, I still remember how he helped me get a summer job at the manufacturing company where he was the senior sales person. When I needed extra money, Coach hired me to paint the exterior of his house.

Now that was an eye-opener. It taught me respect for the work done by painting professionals. Coach paid me $100 for the job. And here’s the funny part. As he handed over those crisp $20 dollar bills, he encouraged me to pursue any career but painting. I thanked him, but didn’t realize until much later that he was gently letting me know that house painting was not my thing. This is what a good leader does.

I’ve had the honour of knowing several people like Coach Ernie who added great value to my life. They gave me support, encouragement and gentle leadership. They helped make me who I am.

Who has left a positive and lasting positive impact on your life?

In his book, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”, John Maxwell wrote, “The bottom line of leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves, but how far we advance others.” Coach Ernie and leaders like him make a difference because they are intentional about advancing the lives of others. They make helping others a priority.

This is a milestone year for me because I am going to turn 65. As I approach that milestone, I find myself reflecting on the past. When I do, I become increasingly determined to leave a positive impact on others just like Coach Ernie left on me.

If I were to ask Ernie Gould today, I’m sure he would tell me that he started each day by deciding who and how he would help. He looked for who might need his encouragement. He focused on helping other people advance. He changed lives.

To be a leader who helps others advance, you need to do three main things:

1. Grow.
   You can’t give value unless you possess value. Before you can add value to others, you must first add value to yourself. Increase your knowledge, skills and wisdom. Be strategic in planning and carrying out your efforts towards personal growth.
2. Plan.
   Start each day by asking yourself who and how you can help that day. Start with one person. When you help, you will add value to that person’s life.
   
   It can be as simple as a friendly smile, a word of encouragement, or listening with care. Simply living life as an example of a servant leader can help the people around you. 

3. Act.
   But it’s not enough to grow and plan. You must act. In our busy world, many good intentions go unfulfilled. Each day, focus on completing the actions you planned for that day. If you do, you will add value to someone’s life.

   With time and practice, adding value will become automatic. Lives will be made better because of your commitment to serve others.

   One of the most vivid memories I have of Coach Ernie was the personal joy and satisfaction he received from helping others. His face would glow. When one of us learned a new skill on the ice, he celebrated with us. We always felt his support and joy. It was clear to everyone that he was committed to helping us, that helping us was the key purpose of his life. I hope to leave a legacy of unselfish leadership like the legacy Coach Ernie left with me.

Call to Action:

Whose life will you help advance today? How will you do that?

The best is yet to come. It starts with you.

Your friends,
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