How "And Then" Will Change Your Business!

Each year we have a family tradition of taking a ski trip together. It’s time I cherish getting all of the children together and enjoying Gods incredible creation. On this year's trip, my son in law Mish played a role in an experience that had a lasting impact.

As we got into one evening, Mish was feeling a little under the weather. As I looked outside it was apparent it wasn’t ideal conditions to be getting out. As it does in the winter in Colorado, it was a snowstorm in the making. Knowing that over the counter medicine would help him immensely, I set my mind on heading out to a local market to pick this up.  As I got there, I realized they didn't have what was needed and was faced with a decision. Give up or drive another 25 miles to another store regardless of the storm.

As I pondered the choice, I asked myself, "If I was sick what would Mish do?"

There was no doubt that Mish would have insisted on getting out on my behalf. Knowing that he genuinely would do this, I was invigorated to take action so off I went into the snowstorm returning a while later safely and delivering what was needed.

As I took some time to reflect I was reminded that kindness is more than words it is action.

I have met a lot of kind-hearted people in my life. Most times I only have a few moments to share some pleasantries and move on. Those exchanges of nice words are always touching. But action is an entirely different category. This requires significantly more effort, inconvenience, putting other agendas in front of our own.

I am reminded that it’s the sum of our small acts of kindness that add up to a life worth living.

I once heard it said, “to say we care but not to act is not to care at all.”  

Saying you care and actually caring are separated by actually doing something. In business, this plays out inside the walls of our companies through our interactions with one another. Taking the time to read an email a third time to make sure we understand the context before responding AND THEN when unsure making a phone call to discuss. Asking how someone is doing outside of work when they don’t seem like their usual self AND THEN going out of our way to hand write a note to brighten their day. Giving others room to make mistakes AND THEN being gentle in our correction of them. All of this requires more than words; it requires additional thought, time, and action.  

It needs an AND THEN.

On that day I was merely being Mish. He is a kind soul with an incredible heart. He is an AND THEN kind of person. In the end, he reminds me it is our words plus our actions that equal kindness.

What small or large act of kindness will you move towards today? Who will you plant a seed with that will return itself over and over again? How will you act on an AND THEN?I dedicate each day to paying forward kindness.  

I want to be known as an AND THEN kind of person.  

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Mike Hardwick is President and CEO of Churchill Mortgage Corporation.

Mike started the company on March 13th 1992, the name was inspired by one of his lifetime hero's Winston Churchill.

Today Churchill Mortgage is one of the nation's largest full-service, agency direct, independent mortgage banking firms in the nation. One of the driving forces in the companies success has been Mike’s commitment to a strong core value system established over 25 years ago.  Today Mike is still heavily involved in the intricacies of the company. One of the major roles he plays is the spiritual leader of the company. Mike’s strong relationship with Christ dates back to his early days as his Father started what would eventually become one of the largest mega churches in the South.

Outside of work Mike loves spending time with his family, friends and is a huge sports fan. As a graduate of Tennessee University he bleeds orange and with roots deep in Nashville Mike follows the Tennessee Titans closely.