WE AREN'T CURING CANCER HERE (OR ARE WE?)

Since MarketStar is a sales outsourcing company, and not a medical or pharmaceutical organization, some of my fellow executives sometimes put the trials and travails of our business into perspective during tough times with the familiar missive: “We’re not curing cancer here…” That may be the case…directly. However, I just got some incredible news this weekend that a member of my organization got a clean bill of health after a battle with this insidious disease. This person had an incredible story of overcoming obstacles even before they were diagnosed with this latest challenge…but they are as private as they are tough, so I cannot share details.

That being said, moments like this and news like this make me reflect on the responsibility that we as leaders have to our organizations. My leadership team and I have built an organization here that supports people through their difficult times, showing flexibility for their needs while they do their jobs.

But more basically, if leaders in any organization do not manage business aggressively, ethically and professionally, they cannot provide the business opportunities that lead to the jobs that lead to the insurance coverage that lead to the treatment options….that lead to curing cancer.

So, maybe your job description doesn’t involve saving the world. But, what impact will the solid decisions you make today have on your people…and their families? Leadership can be a lonely and frustrating thing, particularly in challenging times when you feel you may not be in control of everything you used to be. But remember, the impact you have can be bigger than you sometimes stop to realize.