By Peter Jeff
The Leadership Mints Guy

Here’s an idea to reinforce the bonds of a relationship. Reading time: 3:42

“I’ll be there to give you moral support,” my new boss told me as I prepared for a presentation at a large sales meeting.

It really didn’t matter that my boss never showed. After all, he clearly had confidence me. Besides, the presentation went well as expected.

As soon as I got back to the office, my boss stopped me before I had a chance to sit down.

No “how-did-it-go” inquiry. No excuses for not attending my presentation. No hiding behind the proverbial “emergency that I had to handle.” He just simply confessed:

“I screwed up. I just forgot all about it. I am sorry. So sorry. That’s for you.”

My boss pointed to an envelope on my desk.

The envelope had my name written in perfect penmanship. Inside there was a blank motivational card that said “CHALLENGE” on the front.

I opened the card and read his carefully handwritten apology. I knew my new boss as a highly successful leader who brandished his reputation as a street-smart, don’t-mess-with-me guy.

That’s why I felt goosebumps sprinkle all over my back as I read his words — “I’m sorry. I screwed up….” Each letter he wrote in his best penmanship seemed so thoughtfully scripted. His expensive fountain pen seemed to ooze drops like so many virtual tears.

(Oh, I know that sounds so over the top, but in my world — a dashed note from a boss in lousy penmanship is the rule not the exception. This was no quickly dashed note.) Anyway, after reading his apology, I needed to swallow before getting back to work. Continue reading →