Good leadership and a Great start

Once again, its the little things that make the biggest difference. This week Tim and Jeanette Schmidt opened their home to a couple of dozen guests on a Monday night to talk about stuff that really matters: faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun and future: the 7 Fs. Tim and I are writing a book together — What Really Works: Discovering the 7 Fs. We knew our request was a stretch for some people. When was the last time you were asked to bare your soul about F-words?

Tim and Jeanette went way out of their way to create a setting that was warm, inviting and fertile for our conversation. And it worked! The adrenaline was flowing and the wisdom sprang forth. We heard poignant private thoughts like “love your mom” as well as belly laughs over how married couples manage their checkbook. Some offered personal stories of their childhood that shaped who they are as parents today.

The most compelling question was: within the framework of the 7 Fs (faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun and future) where do your consider your work? For you, the answer may be obvious. If that’s true, you’ll be surprised at where others consider their work.

Good leaders know how to create a setting where people can be honest with each other, support each other and make each other better. That would describe Tim and Jeanette Schmidt.