On the Road With Don Quixote

This week I’ve been on the road discussing our 2008 goals and objectives with my teammates in the field – those who have daily interactions with customers.

I’ve had an invisible companion to guide me this go-round – Don Quixote (picture courtesy of Picasso)

I have been making the case that by becoming a business that is supremely focused on the customer and on each other, something more than just profit can result.

Happiness can happen. For all.

Every teammate happy to get up in the morning and go to work, filled with the joy of knowing that they are doing something meaningful and fulfilling.

That’s what I want for these folks, and I believe it can happen.

I suppose the cynics and those who prefer to see the glass as half-empty would call this a foolish and unattainable goal – there are too many variables, too many outside influences, too many differing personalities and attitudes, and too many of a lot of other things to get in the way of unanimous joy.

But try I must- and that’s where the Man of La Mancha comes in. He was on a quest, a desire (quoting from the Broadway musical) to “add some measure of grace to the world”.

By adding grace, we honor the labor and effort that’s such a big part of our daily lives. By that honor we put the achievement of satisfying customers and supporting our teammates in a new light – a brighter and more fulfilling one.

So his quest is my quest. For as Quixote sings in the signature song “The Impossible Dream”:

“This is my Quest to follow that star,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far,
To fight for the right
Without question or pause,
To be willing to march into hell
For a heavenly cause!”

Happy teammates is my heavenly cause. And I (and Don) won’t stop trying to get everyone to the top of that mountain until the job is done.