This isn’t about the new FTC rules about endorsements (no one is giving me anything to write this blog, but I’m willing to take things), nor about stealing people’s images from Flickr or what not. This is about honestly thanking and acknowledging the people who have helped you to get where you are.
When you put on a big event, it was never one person who got it all done. Phoenix Design Week kicks off tomorrow and Mark Dudlik has been effusive in his praise of the people who have helped him to organize it and put it together. This is the right model where there won’t be stubbed egos and hurt feelings that one person is trying to hog it all, if anything Mark has gone out of his way to avoid the spotlight.
Even when you aren’t putting on events, realize that every day you are being helped and carried by those around you. I’m not going to make a whole list of people who deserve partial credit for things I do because I’ll surely miss someone but I’m certainly not doing this alone – anyone who says they are is full of it.
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Agreed. We make each other better.
Fantastic post and very true. I did very little to help with PHXDW and yet the praise was profuse from all members of the organizing team for just my one little effort. It made me feel involved and as a result, am more likely to work with this group again.
I wonder sometimes if this feeling of having a sole figurehead is another bi-product of the “American Dream” and the idea that any one individual can make something great of themselves. We place so much emphasis on single leaders, innovators, etc in the U.S. that it makes it seem as if that is the only way to gain recognition and success.
Interesting point, Katie. I think that ideal of the “Self-Made Man” is just that; an ideal. No great leader, either in politics, business or elsewhere made it entirely on their own. They’ve been helped up and supported in each challenge they’ve taken on. They’ve succeeded because they new how to leverage that help, including recognizing and praising those around them.