40-Day Series: Thank You Tim Lunsford

I first met Tim when I interviewed with him for a manager gig. He didn't have me on his top 3 list but a mutual contact (Glen Boney who I will be talking about later on in the series) encouraged him to give me an interview. I thought he was just doing Glen a favor and figured there was no way in hell I would get the job so I went in to the meeting with a nothing to lose attitude. Tim and I seemed to hit it off from the start and that interview was probably the best one I have ever had. I'm always amazed at how much better we do when we aren't trying so damn hard.

I learned all I needed to know about Tim as we were walking together after the interview was completed. We were engaging in your normal small talk chit chat when he stopped and told me he forgot to ask me something. He asked, "are you a yes man?" I said no and if that was what he was looking for then he needed to find someone else and if he didn't believe me he could just ask around. He said he couldn't stand yes people and wanted people who would challenge him. He wanted his team strong, confident and to have voices that wanted to be heard.

He lived up to that philosophy and often encouraged his team to challenge each other and debate the topic to get to a better answer. He accepted different points of view and not only would he acknowledge he learned something new he would actually show appreciation. He knew how to have a good time while getting real business done. He didn't get caught up in politics but knew how to manage within them. He led by example and encouraged his managers to lead too. He was truly one of the best bosses I have ever had.

Golden Nugget Foster an environment of debate, challenge the status quo and be wary of the Yes man.