Managing UP!

I haven’t contributed a lot of content to LinkedIn or to my profile in a while... today is a special day and I realize how many of you, my colleagues and friends, have helped me to be where I am today. So, I want to say thank you!

It was 24 years ago today, April 20, 1998, that I accepted a position as business consultant at the West Texas A&M University Small Business Development Center. It was a calling, not a career. And the truth is that I've never looked back. I never lost sleep over a pretty large initial pay cut. I was working alongside a man, Don Taylor, that led with integrity and gave me every opportunity to succeed. I helped people realize their dreams. I lived my dream and fulfilled my purpose.

That role led to the creation of the WT Enterprise Center and multiple entrepreneurial startup opportunities, and a lifetime of learning and growth.

Now, years later, that important decision shaped my future; but one thing stands out to me, the call on my life, even though I've done a lot of things to mess it up, remained steadfast. God never stopped leading and guiding and nudging and prodding my passion to help people. And still today, helping people through the Engler Foundation is a continuation of that calling.

In each and every path, the opportunities found me. In each role, I was groomed to lead the organization. In each position, I was given opportunity to grow and develop. I am thankful and grateful for these opportunities. I had to be a self-starter… I had to learn to manage up.

In 2007, I got the opportunity to lead the Enterprise Center. That was also the year that Robin and I became the owners of Chop Chop… it was a tumultuous and glorious time in our lives. I was building a team and burning the candle on both ends. In that year, Wayne Turk wrote “The Art of Managing Up”, an article that I would continue to send to almost everyone who managed people or reported directly to anyone… it pretty well applies to everyone. In fact, I recently share the article with my son as he’s taken on a leadership role and is fulfilling his purpose and calling.

In my life and in my career, I want my life to exhibit what Christ has purposed in me. I desire to help and to add value. Today is a special day, and I wanted to share with you, my friends. Thank you! And may you be blessed in your role, your calling, as you Manage Up!