LESSON FROM THE TUG

LESSONS FROM THE TUG by Sue Miller

I got this wonderful note from this great motivator many years ago, I hope it motivates you as it did me in 2007.

THE RESULTS IMPRESSED ME! I watched a small tug maneuvering gigantic ships in and out of a harbor several weeks ago. How cumbersome the huge ships looked! They were full of cargo, laden with riches....yet still unable to maneuver in certain ways. They were in dire need of help. Indeed, their fantastically economically rich missions would fail without the "little tug". Back and forth the tug went. Moving skillfully from side-to-side of the masterful ships, the small tug skillfully slid each lumbering giant into open waters.

I watched for more than an hour, completely mesmerized. My mind searched for other applications of this famous work. I thought of many ways that a seemingly insignificant icon can make a huge difference. Then my mind lit up! It is what lies BENEATH - in the engine - that makes the difference.

How often do we look at the outward appearance? The way one dresses, The haircut chosen, The eloquent speech, The politically correct behavior... Or perhaps...the LACK OF ALL OF THE ABOVE? WHAT LIES BENEATH IN A PERSON IS THEIR CHARACTER! IT IS THEIR ENGINE!

In one of my classes, I speak of this very subject. It is important that we take the time to work on our character. Stephen Covey says that, "We're never finished working on our character." You see, character qualities lie beneath the surface in all of us; and it is only during difficult times that we can truly determine the strength (or lack of strength) of the individual. When we are burdened or burned out; when we feel we are at the end of our rope; when storms don't seem to let up...that's when a strong character steers us safely through the storm. On the other hand, a person who is "ALL SHOW - WITH LITTLE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN THEIR ENGINE" may not be able to make it through the storm.

I see the TUG BOAT as those individuals who think they are not making a difference - but they are! I see the GLAMOROUS AND MIGHTY SHIPS as those individuals who need the team effort of those who support them.

WE NEED BOTH! In life, we WILL be both from time to time. I think MIGHTY SHIPS do, in fact, draw the most attention: the executive at the top, the charismatic speaker, the stylish dresser, the fanciest appointments. I think TUG BOATS don't, in general, draw attention to themselves: The quiet soldier who follows orders, the supportive team member who shoulders his load, the easy-going child in a robust and noisy family, the diligent student who works through the night for good grades. As I sat and watched the tug working so hard – un-relentlessly - maneuvering the huge ships out of the tight port, I vowed to respect THOSE OF US WHO GIVE WITHOUT THE ACCOLADES.

I even think I saw the "tug" smiling! No kidding! When there are no medals, plaques, stars, reviews, grand paychecks, or media coverage...will I work to make a difference? I will find myself many times in life needing to DO THE WORK...WHATEVER THE WORK IS. So, I said to myself, "Sue, be a tug when you need to be a tug!" Do the work - no glory or accolades. When no one is looking, just do your job! AND, LIKE THE TUG, SMILE WHEN I'M DOING IT! Sure, some of us may have the corner office, the plush carpet, or the grander title...YOU'RE THE SHIP..

Yet, Andrew, we ALL have a job. Let's work together to make the best world we can make. Small efforts make such a huge impact. That which lies beneath in your engine is, ultimately, what others see. Give it your best effort.

LESSONS FROM THE TUG: Do your job today. Don't seek the limelight. Help your neighbor. Keep your BIG engine tuned up inside of you. Let your results speak for themselves. And, occasionally, toot your horn! HAVE A GREAT WEEK, MY FRIEND!