There Was A Sign On My Wall

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In my office, there was a sign on my wall that read, "Sometimes the best guy to have on your side is the guy who will not always be on your side." I kept it on my wall for a reason. It's a message. And in some ways, a reminder. I am not a yes man. I am not a simple conformist. I won't always pound my drum to your tune. I won't always agree with you. I am a partner who has the best interests of all in mind. And the only way we can ever be good, the only we can ever be better, is if we respect each other equally, and accept that we are partners. It's actually a motto I lived by and worked by that helped to make me very successful, and even to help those whom I worked with and for to be successful. As many famous business minds have said over the ages, "You surround yourself with opposing minds because the best ideas come from the whole, not the one, and because solutions stem from disagreement." A yes man will never tell you when things aren't right. They'll just clam up and maintain the status quo, collect their paycheck, and let the cards fall where they may. Like I told my last boss, if you have a guy who always says, "Yes, boss. You're right, boss. Whatever you say, boss. You're the best, boss. FIRE HIM IMMEDIATELY." He will never be the guy that drives your business to the next level. With a guy like that in your charge you can never achieve greatness or be better or find your wrongs. That doesn't mean automatically accept a contrary guy. But have the ability to understand the stark difference between a simple contrarian and one who does what he does because he cares. And because it matters. And because his opinion is important and comes from a place of integrity and in the best interests of the business. He may not be the most likeable guy in your corner, to be sure. But he will definitely be your best friend. And a remarkable partner.