The Tom Hall Effect
George Wheeler Jr
Sr. Director, Solutions & Implementations at Overhaul | Founder: Global Security Leadership, Which Provides Content Dedicated to Developing Security, Risk, & Crisis Leadership
I had the good fortune of working with two men who, from the outside, had many similar qualities.?They were both successful in their chosen field, both earned a very good salary, they were both in shape, good looking, and both lived in beautiful homes with their beautiful wife.?In fact, since they were both in the same line of work. You would think that they would be good friends.?But everything I have just mentioned is a quality that you would see if you were just looking at them from the outside.?Once you got to know them, you realized they couldn't be any more different.
?I had the opportunity to work with and know Tom Hall first.?I learned so much working with him about every aspect of my job and so much more.?He had great values, cared about relationships, empowered people and he inspired these qualities into the organization.?The organization flourished and everyone did their best every day because Tom was always at his best and you wanted to emulate that.
Then I had the opportunity to work with Andy.?He did not have the greatest values to inspire into the organization.?He was very smart and had a great presence when we went to meetings.?I was able to learn from Andy because he was so?knowledgeable and knew how to talk to Customers.?When we did sales presentations, he didn't bring a PowerPoint presentation and sales material.?He was the presentation.?An image of a true professional.
One day, the topic of Tom came up in our office and some of the guys were complementing him. Andy always thought that everyone as "beneath" him and he asked us what everyone saw in Tom.?He couldn't understand why people held Tom in such high regards.?It was more a rhetorical question because Andy didn't wait for an answer; he just walked out of the room.
I pondered that question for a while and I realized why people held Tom in such high regard while Andy always seemed to be in his shadow.?Besides the obvious personal values that I mentioned; if you went to a meeting and saw Andy, you may be a little intimidated to actually go talk to him because he is not that?approachable.?If you did have a conversation with him you would leave the meeting impressed by his presence and you would be thinking he may be one of the smartest people you ever met.?However, if you were at a meeting and saw Tom you would feel welcome to approach him.?After your conversation with Tom you would walk away being impressed by his presence and you would be thinking that you were the smartest person Tom ever met.
Andy tried to make everyone he met think very highly of him.
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Tom thought very highly of everyone he met.
Stop trying to be the focus of everyone you meet.?Focus more on the people you meet and?genuinely care about them.?When you make people feel good about themselves, they will feel much better about you.?
Thank you Tom Hall for being that example that will be carried on by hundreds of people whom you impacted in such a positive way. We love you.??
I care about all of you and I will demonstrate that through my actions.
George Wheeler
Starting 8th SOC, GSOC, Fusion ctr, JSOC
2 年George, I also had the pleasure of working with Tom and you couldn't ask for a better Mentor and face of the organization. Well said about a great man.
Author of “The Mindset of a Champion “. SSR at Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic
2 年Awesome brother ??
Serial Entrepreneur & CEO
2 年Great piece George - This man taught me pretty much everything I know about leadership…and John Lee Hooker.?? I actually named my first born after Tom - it meant so much to me give him that honour that I’d have probably still gone with Thomas even if we had a girl instead. I haven’t worked for the man for over 20 years now and he still calls my mother and checks up on her! Thanks for everything you do for all of us W. Thomas (Tom) Hall, PPS - I cannot imagine what my life would have looked like if you hadn’t kicked so many doors open for me early in my career.
Director, Pathology Operations at Boston Scientific
2 年Many try to replicate, but W. Thomas (Tom) Hall, PPS can never be duplicated! Definitely, One of a kind leader, teacher, friend, mentor and brother from another mother. Love you Tom!
SHRM-CP Certified HR Professional Specializing in Benefits, HRIS, Compliance, Training and More
2 年Wow, so true about Tom. He always made me feel smart and valued. Great leader and friend.