The best advice I ever got was life advice from...

My favourite schoolteacher of all time. She is a currently a grade six teacher. And I was never in any of her classes. I married her instead. This newsletter is a shout out to Mrs. Guinea (as her students… and now I ??) call her! Or Mrs. G for short.??

When I met Mrs. G, she wasn’t a schoolteacher, she was working in admin for the Queensland Police Service. Like me, she was not overly ‘committed’ at school. She didn’t trouble the scorers when it came to report card time, and she is fairly open about the fact that school was more of a social affair for her (like much of her life still is ??). I was an electrician, and Mrs. G was a clerk. How things have changed in the 30 something years since we first met and fell in love and built an amazing life together.?

Amazing for me – remember that Mrs. G married an entrepreneur – always a roller coaster ride for a supportive spouse. We have supported each other’s goals over time, but I am lucky to say that Mrs G has always been there, through the good and bad times in business. For which I am forever grateful. I sometimes say that I’m not sure how I got her to hang around so long. I’m glad she has, because she had taught me some amazing life lessons, and here are the best three (and if you are a leader out there – feel free to grab these and run with them – I do)!?

Be kinder than is necessary?

This is my favourite Mrs G line of all time. Being kinder than is necessary is a great motto for life. It is about knowing what you should do, and then going above and beyond, because you care enough to. It is about paying it forward, it is about going out of your way to help others, when you don’t really have to. Or when you are not expected to. It is about smiling when you feel like frowning and encouraging when you struggle to get the words out. It is about know that you don’t like everyone, but you are still kind, regardless of the human you are dealing with.?

They won’t remember what I taught them?

But they will remember how I made them feel.?

Possibly the best line I have heard during my time on planet earth.??

If you are a leader, they won’t remember what you showed them, they will only remember how you made them feel.?

Mrs G steps into this and makes the effort with all her students. She’s amazing at creating smiles. And I love that about her, and I love that about this advice.?

I have taken this advice one step further, and in our business, my mission in life is to ‘leave people better than I found them’. Many people have heard me say that in programs or in coaching. And if you ever hear me saying it, you will know that we have got Mrs G to thank for that piece of wisdom, and for me showing up with that as a goal, and a life purpose is my why.??

There is good in everyone?

The beautiful thing about this is that Mrs G really believes it and leans into it. Because our beliefs drive our behaviour. How we think and feel, shows up in how we act. When this is a strong belief, strong actions follow. One of the things that Mrs G is somewhat known for is being good with ‘bouncy boys’. Aka, those boys that other teachers may not like to have in their class, due to how rowdy or excitable they can be. I love Mrs G’s response to the question about how hard it might be to teach some of those boys – ‘I raised bouncy boys, they just need someone to see the best in them, to see their potential, and treat them accordingly. And they will blossom’.??

Isn’t that beautiful.??

Go Mrs G.?

Leaders, I apply these lessons as much as I can, especially when I am under pressure. I hope they can help you out.?

If you ever see Mrs G, reach out and say hi!?

Love ya Jules.?

Coming up... I’m heading to Mackay!?

Mackay, I’m coming to visit at the end of this month and I’m excited to be running my 1 day intensive leadership workshop on Thursday, 30 March. Early bird tickets are on sale now, so be quick to register.?

Register Now

About Anton?

Leaders struggle with their mental health, too... Often finding it difficult to lead under pressure.?

Anton is an entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, bestselling author and founder of The Guinea Group. Over the past 15 years, with over 150+ global organisations, he has inspired workplace leadership, safety and cultural change. He’s achieved this by combining his corporate expertise, education (Bachelor of Psychology), and infectious energy.?

Get in touch with Anton today.?

Sources?

Approaching 30 happy years of marriage!?