Are You a Bridge Builder?
By John Boe
Biography is one of my favorite TV shows because it pays
tribute to the accomplishments of well-known, successful
men and women. I gain insight and inspiration from their
stories of achievement and personal triumph over adversity.
I find it interesting to note that successful people clearly
understand the value of a role model and the power of a mentor's
guidance. Each of these high-achievers are quick to express
sincere praise for their mentors and the positive impact they
had on their lives. They're grateful that someone recognized
their talent and believed in them enough to help them develop
their full potential.
There are two kinds of people in this world, those that build
bridges and those that don't. Bridge builders are mentors who
understand the power of a kind word and the importance of sincere
praise. They're always available to share their talent and
experience. Mentors are team players all the way and lead by
example. These unselfish people invest their time and energy
helping others avoid pitfalls along their chosen path. Bridge
builders mentor without concern for personal gain or credit.
They don't build bridges for the sake of recognition or tribute;
they build because it's in their nature to encourage and support
others.
As a boy, I recall reading a poem under the glass on my father's
desk entitled The Bridge Builder. This insightful verse and its
message of mentorship has served me well over the years and is a
great example for all of us to emulate. If you're a bridge builder
congratulations, the world is a far better place because of the
difference you make in the lives of others. How many bridges have
you built lately?
The Bridge Builder by Will Allen Dromgoole
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim, near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again will pass this way;
You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide-
Why build you this bridge at the evening tide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today,
A youth, whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."
John Boe presents a wide variety of motivational and
sales-oriented keynotes and seminar programs for sales
meetings and conventions. John is a nationally recognized
sales trainer and business motivational speaker with an
impeccable track record in the meeting industry. To have
John speak at your next event, visit www.johnboe.com or
call 937-299-9001. Free Newsletter available on website.
Word Count (w/o contact information): 458
Category: Motivational
© Copyright 2002-2010, John Boe International
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