Core Memories

This past week had a big focus on family time. There were so many wins from the week, but two majors stand out in my mind. 

#1 – My son turned 12. How 12 years have gone by boggles my mind. It is like BAM! he is almost a teenager going on 30. 

Watching him play Top Golf with his friends and being his authentic self reminded me of the core memories I experienced as a kid and how they shaped me into who I am today. I have a front row seat and am an active participant in Emmitt’s core memories, and it is something I strive to never take for granted.

#2 – Inside Out 2 opened last Thursday and my daughter was so excited to see it. She is entering that age when hanging with your friends is way cooler than hanging with Mom but she wanted to see it as a family and with ME! I purchased tickets in advance thinking it's release day so it’s going to be a packed house. 

We arrive at our matinee to find we are the only people in the theatre. My sweet daughter immediately asked if I set up a private screening, and while I wish I were that cool, I told her it was just a coincidence.

Man, where she and my son pumped. Here we were, watching a movie about core memories while making a core memory as a family. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will not forget.

As we enter adulthood, our core memories start to include some from our work life. How many of yours are positive core work memories? It feels as though the older we get, the more the bad experiences stick with us. 

I would be lying if I said my core work memories are all butterflies and rainbows. But they did shape and mold the leader, mentor, and teammate I am today. 

I work hard to ensure the people who choose to put up with my shenanigans make the impact they strive to achieve, have exposure to growth opportunities, and move on to their next opportunity with at least one good core memory of working with me. 

What about you - What is your core memory of a leader who positively impacted your work life?  As a leader, how do you create the good memories that shape and mold others?