The Second Thank You

I’m a big believer in making the “Second Thank You".

What is a Second Thank You, you ask? It’s recognizing the impact that a particular person has had on your life, which could be weeks, months, or in many cases, years after your encounter.

My Second Thank You goes out to Jim Beard, the guy that gave me what was my dream job out of college as a Management Trainee in the employee cafeteria at the Hyatt hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. At the time, Jim was my Food and Beverage Manager, but he eventually went on to become General Manager of the hotel and then was a corporate executive for Regent Hotels & Resorts, ZipRealty, Inc. and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The guy is a legend in the hospitality industry.

All I wanted was to work at Hyatt. It was a great hotel chain and they had an excellent training program. When I arrived it wasn’t long before I felt Jim’ presence as an executive. He was someone I could look up to because he demanded a high quality of presentation and service. He always got the most out of this team. And, the guy knew how to dress the part. There were times where he might send me home after a staff meeting to get a haircut, or if the tie I was wearing didn’t match or look right, he would cut the bottom.

Jim showed me the difference between management and leadership. He also showed me the importance of a team; how all of us were better than some of us. And, under his direction, anyone on the team at Hyatt was involved in every area of the hotel; from making beds to running banquets. There was no area left uncovered when help was needed.  Staff meetings were short and to the point. Management parties were long and crazy. We were a group that worked hard and played hard. We always showed up for each other regardless of the time of day.

I have tried to instill everything Jim taught me all those years ago into the way I run Steiner Sports today. We try our best to create an environment where our employees can learn and also have fun…kind of like a fraternity. I owe all that to Jim.

So, now that you’ve read my story, who do you owe a Second Thank You? Who is that one person that has made a silent impact on your life?

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it might be nice to let them know how thankful you are for them.

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Quote of the Day: “Saying thank you is more than good manners, it is good spirituality.” -Alfred Painter

Song of the Day: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Sly & The Family Stone 

*My latest book; "Living on Purpose: Stories about Faith, Fortune and Fitness that will lead you to an Extraordinary Life", is now available for pre-order! Click here!*