Back in college in Austin, if I ever declared my dislike of a certain rock group or pop singer, the standard reply from my friends was “Yeah, well, that’s because they’re not hip and/or obscure enough for you.”
Fair enough. Then when I got to London after college, I noticed a difference. Now it wasn’t “They’re not cool enough for you” anymore, it was “You’re just jealous because they’re making all that money.”
That spoke volumes to me about how people in London had different priorities than the average UT undergraduate. And it wasn’t too surprising, either. One was a global financial, cultural and political center, the other (back then) was a small college town.
So of course it was going to be different…
I’m glad I learned that lesson, as harsh as it seemed at the time. It’s what big cities are for.
But there’s more to life than money. We all know that.
What’s harder to learn is that there’s more to *business* than money. Our lives are a constant, ever-evolving search to find meaning, and God help us if we forget to bring this wisdom to the office.
But herein lies the opportunity for any potential leader. People are desperate for this stuff, and if you can help them find it, they will gladly follow you.
Be brave. Onwards!