Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a funeral for a family friend. I know that sounds strange. But I got to be a part of and celebrate a life well lived. Joe Daniels was a family friend, someone I have known all my life. Yesterday I was able to celebrate his life with other friends and family. Joe fought a battle with cancer, today he no longer has the disease and spends his days in Heaven.
One of Joe's best friends spoke about him first and he offered three points about Joe that made him special. If you were able to see the line of people stretched through the church yesterday, of people waiting to pay their respects, you would have, immediately, realized this was a life that had impact.
I thought it worth sharing the three points that were made about why Joe's life had such a huge impact.
1. Put People First
Joe had a landscaping business that he grew into a small empire. As you drive around Atlantic County you would almost always see Daniel's Landscaping trucks sprinkled throughout the various neighborhoods. Yesterday we learned that Joe was always willing to give people an opportunity, he would find the most down and out people and offer them a job. A response of "but I don't have any shoes to work" would be followed by, "well let's go get some." Need food-"Sure no problem." Need a place to stay-"I can help you with that also." Joe was always willing to give. Not just to his family, but to complete strangers, who he turned into employees.
When we place people before production, we get results. We get people who are willing to do extraordinary things for us. Teachers, you want students who will work to their potential, beyond their potential, put them first, not your content.
2. Be Humble
Joe didn't like attention on him. His friend shared how when you got him talking about himself and his success he would quickly ask how someone else was doing. You wouldn't know the size of Joe's business from looking at him or seeing him around town. He worked as if he was trying to build a business from day one instead of having over 20 years of experience and success. He would always be sure to ask you about the things going on in your life.
Great leaders don't make it about them, they make it about their teams. This takes some degree of humility. Be willing to not be the center of the show.
3. Don't Complain
Joe fought 20 month battle with cancer. Throughout that time he never complained about his situation. He never questioned his sickness. He simply fought. When he most recently went into the hospital the doctors gave told him there was an 80% chance he would not make it through this second round of stem cell treatments. For Joe that meant there was a 20% chance he would. 20% chance he would be back to his family, back to his friends, and back to his work.
How often do we complain about small problems. How often do I complain about students I have? That complaining doesn't get a whole lot accomplished. I hope to look at situations with a glass half full mentality, and not complain when things start to go wrong.
Experiences with death have been abundant over the past 15 months in my life. From one of my wife's good friends-my wife's younger brother-a great friend of mine-and now Joe. From death I am learning quite a bit about living.
These 3 lessons from Joe will stick with me. What are things you have noticed that make someone's life stand out and leave a lasting impression?
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