Can You Be Trusted?

Someone recently asked me for advice on how to get a job promotion. I told him to be consistently exceptional at his current job. And also, to think, speak and act like he is already in the job he is striving for.  In other words, start where you are.

Begin with what you’ve been trusted with.

If a performance audit was to be conducted, would there be enough evidence to convict you of doing your BEST? Or would you be found guilty of giving half the effort (yet expecting the full payment)? That sounds funny, but I see it all the time.

I was in Austin, TX recently and took an Uber back to the airport. Over the years, I’ve reserved several Ubers and Lyfts in many states, in many countries. However, on this particular ride, on this particular day, with this particular driver, the experience was memorable.

I know what you’re thinking. “What did the driver do that was so memorable?”

It must have been something BIG, right? Right?!

Wrong.

Nothing big, in the traditional sense. But big in the Honor sense. He had tremendous honor for his role. Here’s what I mean:

* When the driver pulled up, he came out of his Mazda SUV and greeted me by name…with a big smile.

* He assisted with my luggage.

* He opened the door for me.

* When I sat down, a caddy was attached to the back seat. The caddy had three different charging ports (based on the mobile device type), a box of Kleenex and a complimentary bottle of Fiji water.

* He asked for my air conditioning temperature preference.

Yes, the car was spotless.

Yes, the car smelled nice.

Yes, the car was comfortable to ride in.

But, there is virtue in doing the “little things” well. The little things can be done with honor. The little things MUST be done with honor!

I’ve been in town cars and limousines whose drivers were nowhere NEAR the caliber of this Uber driver.

Even if you are in a role that’s not your ideal spot, be excellent where you are right now!

If you want to be a luxury driver, then treat your Mazda like a Mercedes Benz.

If you want to speak on stage in front of thousands, then train your small team like they are the most important people you will ever meet.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” (Luke 16:11 NLT).

What if the next door to be opened in your life is contingent on how faithful and honorable you are right now? Right where you are.

Here’s the takeaway: Be a good steward of whatever you are trusted with. Shine in your current situation.