On the wall beside my desk sits a small bronze plaque. It was a gift, located in
What’s unusual about that simple, seemingly mundane, statement is that is was spoken by the renowned Renaissance artist, Michelangelo – in his 87th year. (Technically, he said “ancoro imparo.”) Given the scope of his achievement in painting, sculpture, poetry and architecture, this humility is striking and strongly reminiscent of another quotation attributed to the Greek philosopher Socrates. He said, “The wise man knows that he knows nothing.”
Beside the Michelangelo quote is taped another gem, this one from the best-selling business book, Leading Quietly. It’s a three-word motto that I also try to keep top-of-mind. It reads, “Modesty. Restraint. Tenacity.” I don’t think Michelangelo would mind that the two sit side by side on the wall.
At one point in my career, I helped create and produce advertising for Major League Baseball. One spring it was my assignment to write and record a series of radio spots featuring Cal Ripken and his brother Billy, who happened to be his teammate on the Baltimore Orioles. For those not so passionate about baseball as I am, Cal Ripken, now retired, was a perennial All-Star infielder who broke Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played in the Major Leagues. He’s hailed as the modern-day “Iron Horse” for that feat. He won batting titles. He won fielding titles. He was a team captain, an MVP, a hero. He had every reason to be proud, cocky and aloof.
His brother, on the other hand, was mediocre, as professional baseball players go. He never earned any of the accolades that his older brother had. Yet, during our recording session in an announcer’s booth high above the baseball field where their team was about to play a pre-season game, Billy was disruptive and foul-mouthed. He acted how I imagined a superstar like
For the most part, all of the seasoned baseball stars with whom I worked over a several-year period were well-mannered, humble and earnest about improving their skills. They were, to use words from my wall quotations, tenacious about learning, and tempered with modesty.
Businesses can fail for any number of reasons, even if their products or services are unique and their leadership is charismatic. All you can rely on, when all is said and done, is your own set of skills. And skills at any level of the corporate hierarchy dull quickly without constant sharpening.
3 comments:
David,
I love it. I love it all! Very nicely done. I had no idea you could write so well--I always thought of you as the drawing type of artist. I should have realized long ago that you were the complete package. Thanks.
Hi, Dave. I LOVE your blog! Thank you so much for inviting us into your world of thoughts. Your insights are inspiring, and you are now officially starred and bookmarked!! Can't wait to read more. Marilyn
Hey dad, this is great. I agree with Cynthia, you're such a good writer. I love reading your e-luminations at work too.
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