Believe in Team

"There are so many things that you really should know. And that's why I'm bothering telling you so. You should know the first names of the Fuddnuddler Brothers who like to pile each on the heads of the others. If you start at the top, there are Bipper and Bud and Skipper and Jipper and Jeffrey and Jud, Horatio, Horace and Hendrix and Hud, and then come Dinwoodie and Dinty and Dud, also Fitzsimmon and Frederick and Fud, and Slinky and Stinkey and Stuart and Stud. And, down at the bottom is poor little Lud. But if Lud ever sneezes, his name will be MUD." - Dr. Suess.

As my daughter read me, "Oh Say Can You Say" by Dr. Suess last night, I felt proud, first because we've struggled with her reading abilities, and second because it was a really hard book to read!

Having read many books with my children, I know that there is typically a hidden message behind the content, trying to teach us about simple responsibilities in life. As I looked at the image on the adjacent page and listened to her devour these words, I GOT IT! While interpretation may be different for other readers, I saw the importance of believing in your team.

"You should know the first names of..." he said. Leaders, get to know the names of your employees. A simple "Hello Horace" in the hallway goes a long way. It lets them know they are valued. It's that simple. And poor Lud, the guy that just started a few weeks ago, he feels the weight on his shoulders. All he wants to do is make a good impression. He's driven, absorbing new information daily, and eager for more. So go easy on him. It's heavy to be on the bottom. Allow him to learn the culture, meet the team, share his ideas, and introduce himself.

Each one of the Fuddnuddler brothers are an important part of the structure. They support one another and only as a team, can they hold up the integrity of the organization. Together they are strong, stable, and most importantly, HAPPY.