We were going 64 km/h in a 50 zone on our way to bury Larry when we got pulled over. When the police officer asked why we were going so fast, we explained that we were on our way to Larry’s funeral.
As he walked back to his car with my wife’s licence and insurance, I told my wife that if Larry had any influence with the “Big Guy,” maybe he could help us out with this one.
Larry was always part of something bigger. Running his business, he often counted on a touch of divine intervention to ensure he had enough customers, the right people to fill job vacancies and sufficient money to make payroll. He believed that true business success came from more than just hard work – it required trust in something greater.
It’s not that Larry didn’t work hard; he did. But he never let himself sweat the small stuff. This approach played a huge role in his business success. Great people seemed to turn up at just the right moment to fill his vacancies, and the time he spent on marketing and sales ensured that customers came in droves.
Even though Larry’s business acumen wasn’t his strongest asset, he always managed to make ends meet and often had a few dollars left over, which he would inevitably give to someone in need. That generous spirit and his belief in small acts of kindness contributed to his overall success in business.
You probably know a leader like Larry – someone who’s fun to be around because they don’t make everything about themselves. They share their resources generously, but they also maintain accountability and expect the same from their employees to drive business success. They have a clear vision of what needs to be done and know how to inspire their team to be part of something larger than themselves, which is key to achieving business success.
But what does being part of something bigger in business really mean? Sometimes we’re so caught up in the day-to-day challenges of running our enterprises that we miss the impact we have on other people, the environment, and even the world.
As a business coach, I often observe the positive impacts leaders have without even realizing it. For instance, I’ve seen an employer give an employee decision-making responsibilities and then applaud her for those choices. That simple act of encouragement built her confidence – a change that could positively affect her and her family for generations. This is the kind of small action that contributes to sustainable business success.
I know a retail business owner who has dedicated years of passionate, caring service to her customers, earning their trust and friendship. It’s hard to grasp how many people feel isolated and just wish someone would take the time to listen to them. These moments, though small, add up to true success in business.
I also know the leader of an ecology company who only works on projects that will make the world a better place. While some might see this as an impractical aspiration, it’s the kind of vision that attracts like-minded people and helps turn an ideal into a successful business model.
It’s not just the big moves that matter. The small gestures – the ones that often go unnoticed – are what really count in business:
- When you take the time to learn something from a staff member;
- When you go above and beyond for a customer;
- When you thank a supplier for their efforts;
- When you acknowledge a team member’s hard work, even when they think no one noticed;
- The little smile for a doorman or delivery driver that brightens their day;
- The tip you gave a driver;
- The honest conversation where you suggest an employee might be happier in a different role;
- The shared idea, the thoughtful question, or the compliment on a job well done.
Leaders often don’t realize the profound impact they have on those around them. Larry believed he was just a small cog in a much larger wheel, helping out the “Big Guy.” But it was that mindset that led to his success in business and made a difference in so many lives.
The police officer who pulled us over on our way to Larry’s funeral was also part of something bigger. A few minutes later, he returned with the paperwork and gave my wife a written warning, adding that he wouldn’t be so lenient next time if she didn’t slow down.
We did slow down, and we both concluded that maybe, just maybe, Larry had whispered a word to his friend, the “Big Guy.”
David Fuller is a Commercial and Business Realtor with a strong reputation as an award-winning business coach and author. He has extensive experience helping businesses grow and succeed, providing guidance on various aspects of business management, strategy, and development. His work as a business coach and author has earned him recognition in the industry, making him a respected figure in both real estate and business coaching.
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