You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover

A couple of weeks ago, I was traveling from Orlando, Florida doing a speaking engagement titled “How to Be an Expert and Remain Humble”. Due to some mechanical problems on the plane, I was forced to rent a car to redirect my trip back to Georgia. After driving a few hours on the road, I ran out of gas. Luckily, I was close enough to coast to the nearest rest area. As you can imagine, I was extremely upset that the gas gauge was showing almost full, but that is another story for another time. I asked for assistance as people passed by me in the parking lot. Even when I went inside the building, people were not helpful. Perhaps, because I was dressed in my typical traveling attire, jeans, and a t-shirt. They were turned off-hence no help. Finally, a couple approached me and asked if they can help. They took me to the nearest gas station, which was 10 miles away, were I purchased gas for the rental car. Once we got back to my car, the gentleman preceded to pour the gas into the tank. Not realizing the gas tank required an adapter, he accidentally poured the entire gallon of gas on the ground. We got back in their van and went back to get a second gallon of gas. Now, this situation is incredibly funny; I am now part of their family. We talked about their dog, kids, retirement, religion, and football. Not one time did they ask me, who I was or what I did.

We arrived at the car a second time, with both the adapter and gas, it was now drivable. Of course, I attempted to pay them for their time and effort. They refused any compensation for their good deed. 

I must admit this entire situation taught me so much about life. People that I thought would help me didn't- people I thought would not help me-did. It truly made me realize that you must never prejudge people. Instead, get to know them for who they are and how they treat you.

Now, How does this all relate to business? How many times in business are we guilty of judging others? Do we judge when a candidate shows up not wearing a brand name suit to the interview? Do we judge when an employee may not speak or articulate themselves quoting Socrates or words from Aristotle? As a professor, Do we judge students that may struggle to learn at a different level than the other students learn? Do we judge when someone may not look like you? Does any of this mean that they are less than us? 

This event reinforced me that there are still some great people in this place we call the United States. It gave me a new found respect for not judging a book by its’ cover.

Thank you to the couple that was traveling from Detroit, Michigan to Orlando, FL that spent over three hours helping me get home. Thank you for not judging my book by its’ cover!

 About Dub Taylor-A catalyst for positive change, with a no-nonsense people driven approach to business, Dub Taylor, is a result-oriented leader. Innovation, proactivity, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit has enabled him to produce rapid results for multi-conglomerate organizations. As senior leadership, Dub Taylor has established marketable representations for clients that are a direct reflection of his commitment to promoting a standard of quality that involves: a solid work ethic, building trust with transparent communication, and preserving client relationships through consistent follow-up.

Mr. Taylor’s reputation as an inspirational visionary stems from his passion for servant leadership and understanding that the innovation that propels companies to next-level success lies within the heartbeat of the organization, their employees. His ability to energetically create and expand new markets stems from his beliefs, “healthy businesses exists because of happy clients”. His zeal for his clients is always at the forefront of his strategic plan, drives his performance, and results in satisfaction for all stakeholders.

If you would like for Mr. Taylor to consult or to come speak to your organization on leadership, growth, and business development initiatives, contact him directly at dubtaylor@expertemployees.com.