SAY “YES” TO LEADERSHIP
After my leadership book was published, I was invited to speak at conferences, in person and virtually. I started this blog, SAY “YES” TO LEADERSHIP, to stay in touch with my audiences and readers of my book, An Uncommon Journey: Leadership Lessons (from a preschool teacher who became a university president). Please subscribe to my blog at www.shirleyraines.com or email me at [email protected].
Adam’s Quote
In conference speeches, I often use quotes from famous people. The quote that gets the most applause is from Adam. He is not famous, at least not yet, but his quote resonates with audiences.
For four years, Adam was a student employee in our office at the University of Memphis. He helped with anything and everything that anyone in the office asked of him. As graduation neared, we planned a party for Adam, but he surprised us and gave us a beautifully framed quote. It read, “Happiness is doing with a smile what you have to do anyway.” He added, “Without bitching and moaning.” He said, “I left the last phrase off. I don’t think it would look good framed in the president’s office.”
Adam’s quote came from a desk calendar. The well-known author was Anonymous, so we called it Adam’s quote.
You may find inspirational quotes on your desk calendar, your phone, or your office walls, but Adam’s quote is a true leadership lesson. “Happiness is doing with a smile what you have to do anyway.” You can decide whether to add the “Bitching and Moaning” phrase. Shirley Raines, author of An Uncommon Journey: Leadership Lessons (from a preschool teacher who became a university president). Available on Amazon.
