If you would succeed in life, it is of first importance that your individuality, your independence, your determination be trained that you not be lost in the crowd. Orson S. Marden When I arrived at the reception desk of the hotel, a staff member of the hotel greeted me with a smile and gathered from me the usual information needed for check-in. Then as she handed the room key to me, she surprised me by saying, "Mr. Rector, there is currently a feather pillow on your bed, but if you prefer another pillow from this menu, then please let us know and we will bring it to you." She then handed to me the hotel's "Pillow Menu." Thirteen pillows were listed on the menu along with a short description of each one. Although I'd never been offered a "Pillow Menu" before, I didn't request a pillow different from the one that was already on my bed. My guess is that most guests of the hotel don't request a different pillow from the menu either. But the offer of the hotel was a gesture that I won't soon forget. It was a way for the hotel to get my attention and cause me to notice the quality exhibited in other aspects of the hotel. This hotel's "Pillow Menu" was a unique way for it to stand out from the many very nice hotels in the area and to try to avoid being lost in the crowd. Much like the "Pillow Menu" of that hotel in Switzerland, successful business, government, community leaders also find creative ways for those they work with to remember them and to notice the quality of their work. They realize that simply being a good leader is not enough. They understand that they must continually be looking for ways to rise above mediocrity and complacency. They understand that getting people to notice and remember them is just as important for success as talent and hard work. What are you doing to set yourself apart from the crowd of other leaders so that people will notice your work and remember you? How is the team or organization that you lead surprising the customers, clients or members that you serve in a way that causes them to notice the quality of your work and to think of you as the best? This week, focus on training your individuality, independence and determination in a way that they will keep you from being lost in the crowd. In every aspect of your life and your work be aware that the good is always the enemy of the best. Then find new and unique ways to cause those around you to notice and to remember the quality of your work. 
Be Remembered
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