Normally when I write a blog, I start out will a Hello to my Dear Reader. Not today. This was almost a blog I didn't write because I didn't know where to start. So let me start with the people and see if it moves along from there.
To the Consultants
You are an amazing group of women and men. The amount I have learned from you and with you over the past four years has been staggering. I say this to those who have left and those who remain. It was my privileged to work with you every day.
We have too many fun memories for me to count. I went through my pictures and found hundreds. I think that speaks well of the times we had together, because it was important enough to take those pictures.
I've said my fair share of mushy goodbyes, listened to Baz Luhrmann's Sunscreen way to many times, and rambled on about coffee filters. There are some words that you say in life, there are those whose meaning you know intimately because emotion surrounds them. When I say brother, sister, call someone buddy or big guy, those words have far more meaning than their surface value.
Each of them is the embodiment of love and relationships that have been built over time. When I use them my heart thinks of those people in my life and those times when those words were made noble to me.
Team Ball will forever be one of those words now.
To the Management Team
Thank you for the opportunity to be a leader. Not just in the community but to a staff that I count as close friends. There were challenges, struggles, loses, and wins. The ability to shape the direction of a company is a strange and powerful gift. So my parting advice to you is so much more simple. Don't mess it up.
I don't say that to be glib or short, you did great before I was there, and I'm confident you will do great after I am there. That is my hope for you. So let me explain.
You've built something special and great. You have an environment where people come to work with one another as part of their passion. In my time with you I've learned just how critical proper and constant communication is to everyday success.
There is no book that tells us what to do, or how to lead or grow this company. There will be trial and error. Remember to listen to employee concerns, don't change course too quickly or too many times, most importantly remember Why you do what you do. If you start with Why good things will always follow you.
You have a fantastic team. I'm very proud to have counted myself as one of them.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING
For everyone else reading, the next question is where am I going. Here's a hint.
Thank you Dear Friends. I'm sure I will talk to you soon.
Thanks,
Brad