Let's not be "that guy..."

“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6)

It’s so easy to be a self-promoter. Not only is it easy…it’s also tempting. Not only is it easy and tempting...it's often celebrated. I mean, how else will people know how awesome we are if we don’t proclaim it?

We toot our own horn - we make sure everyone in the room knows how smart / awesome / loyal / faithful / steadfast we are. We humble brag about that bonus we got or the car we just purchased or the vacation we just got back from or event the boss invited us to.

We all know “this guy” and if we're honest, more than likely we’ve all been “this guy.” But what this ancient proverb teaches us (& what I've seen to be true over the last 20+ years in business) is that there's a better way.

The better way is to just BE the faithful guy.

Don’t get caught up in the look at me, self-promotion game. Get caught up in the being faithful, steady & diligent game. Be on time. Work with excellence. Grow your skill set. Increase your knowledge. Do what you say you will do. Look out for the little guy and offer a helping hand as often as you can. Do this…and do this consistently (and when I say "consistently" I mean months and years, not days and weeks).

Yes, this approach takes longer & it lacks the instant gratification that we've become addicted to. But more often than not, those who focus on BEING faithful end up seeing their stock rise & you get the benefit of not being "that guy."

Lastly, if you're looking for a good cross reference - see also this other ancient proverb & remember that hard work & skill usually pay off. “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29).