By Peter Jeff
The Leadership Mints Guy

Here’s an idea to help you become more aware of how others see you. Reading time: 2:49

You look marvelous. It’s date night. You’re feeling good. You’re looking good. There’s the doorbell. “Oh, he’s here already,” you gush.

You open the door and you’re thrilled at your discovery. He looks great. You feel great. Then he smiles. And you wince.

He has a piece of black licorice candy wedged between his front two teeth.

The vice president opened a staff meeting with that story and then said, “Effective leaders carry their own toothpicks of sorts – just in case,”

She passed out a box of 250 toothpicks to each of her direct reports. Not that they needed it, she cautioned.

The staff seemed offended at the lesson in personal hygiene until the vice president clarified her teaching moment.

“I keep a box of these in my desk drawer, not so much for the food I eat, but for a little food for thought,” the vice president continued.

“This box of toothpicks reminds me how important details are especially when you aren’t in a position to see everything. Then I have to check with others.

“How do I look? How am I doing? What else do I need? Who else can help me get a better picture of this problem?”

Continue reading →