Mr. Steven King, No relation.

I just want to write a quick Thank You.  I want to get in the habit of thanking the people in my life more often.

I feel like many people don't know the impact they have on others, myself included.   So I want to be more expressive about that.

Mr. Steven King, nope not the author, frequently pops into my mind. Steven was my first general manager in my first job. He left an impact that still informs me today how to be a good worker, and how a relationship between management should be.

Steven exuded a sense of strength that I appreciated. He seemed decisive and in control over the whole domain. I actually didn't interact with him all that much, but the small interactions did leave an impression.

During our orientation he came and spoke to our small class of about 5 new employees. This was immediately after a so terrible it is funny video staring the actress who plays Kimmie Gibbler from full house.

He spoke with authority but a lightness as well. He explained the most important people in the building was us: the front line workers.  I still believe this. His explanation was "If everything is going well, no one should ever see or need me. You are the ones who make them impact." This is something that is well common sense but to a 17 year old entering into the workforce it was both a "duh" moment and mind-blowing at the same time.

He then took a moment to be really serious about what each person brings to a job.  He explained it like work  could be a safe space. I place to leave all other worries behind. "Leave it in the breakroom"  or "leave it at home." I am not sure which phrase he used but I have used both since that day.  I was a little rebellious even then thinking something like that would be impossible. Steven shocked us all by describing some of his own personal struggles. He had a sick daughter. If I remember correctly, it was very serious illness. I think I teared up hearing him speak about something so serious, right after comforting us newbies.  "If I can do it, you can to."  What problems of my 17 year old self could compare. I felt both empowered and humbled.

I quote him in pretty much every job interview I have ever had.  His faith in us as members of his team, has instilled the faith I have had for every team I have led. I have grown to realize sometimes and somethings people go through can not be left in the breakroom, but I took from that the sentiment of "chose your attitude."  From that point own, I work to try and create the safe space at work. I chose to put faith in my team. And I chose to see work as not the whole of my world, a part of it, but separate from the whole.

Thank you Steven King, no relation to the author. I don't expect our paths will cross again, but you have had a strong impact on my life. I think of you from time to time with gratitude. I hope you know you have made an impact on my life, and those who I have lead too.