About This GTY

The author of Greater Than Yourself, Steve Farber calls it ‘The ultimate lesson of true leadership’. The work itself is about elevating those around you to be Greater Than Yourself and the philosophy is that those actions will also raise YOU up.

I have always believed in this philosophy, but have never really thought about it formally. Something inside me has always encouraged me to share my knowledge, pass on hints and tips and to really encourage others and share any information I have freely and openly.  I have never adopted a hard-core competitive attitude in regards to others, I maintain a competitive edge mostly with myself. Always trying to be better than before, stronger than before more knowledgeable than before. It’s an attitude that allowed me to collaborate, assist, be open and willing to share any gifts I might have with those around me and I can say that in every instance I have walked away learning more in return.

These traits seem to lend themselves to a Greater Than Yourself philosophy quite well.  In having read Steve’s book, I realized much of what I already do with friends, coworkers and others has never been formalized.  After reading the book I also realized, not everyone is prepared or ready to accept being handed a gift of GTY action.  Patty Duke once had a line in a movie (Harvest of Fire – her portrayal of an Amish mother).

“We are going to touch a lot of people in our lives, and how they respond to that touch is up to them.”

I began to realize that not everyone is receptive – even if they ask to be mentored – but I did realize that identifying someone with a whole lot of potential, someone who truly was excited and enthused about personal and professional development was a concept I had not previously considered.  Choosing the mentee rather than being chosen as a mentor seemed like a wonderful idea.

Up until I read Steve’s book, I had always simply ‘been available’ to anyone who asked and without hesitation was willing to give.  This can be terribly draining when it’s someone who continually comes in complaint mode rather than in growth mode.  There are a lot of people out there who are simply not ready to take on personal development or take action on knowledge gained.  There are a lot of people who have not yet recognized the power they have within to create a better world, a more collaborative work environment, share and transform their lives and that is okay. Being ready to receive is as important as the gift itself.

All that being said, I decided to take a good look at the people in my life I already knew and see if there was anyone I could ask to be interested in being a GTY project.  There were a number of people, all energetic and enthusiastic individuals who might fit the bill, but one girl truly stood out!  Angela is one of those people who walks into your life and the moment you meet them you know you are blessed.  I would be remiss to leave out the part about her being really great for my ego – something that should really be left aside in leadership – but call me human!

Angela first came into my life when I was still in the corporate workforce and not running my own business.  She was interested in the work my team was doing and wanted to learn more about it.  She had a good friend who was already working for me, and while Angela was in a different department, she was truly enthralled with the job itself and what it could do for her career.  After working with her manager and Angela applying for one of my available positions, I took a little time to get to know her.  She was always excited about the things I was involved in and continually asked a ton of questions.  One of those things was photography.  I have only dabbled, but her interest was keen, something she took on with gusto since our first conversation together.

Angela is like that, meticulous in her action, caring deeply about everything she takes on and following a code of high expectation in her work, ethics and behaviour.  (it was like looking in the mirror at a much younger me).  Because of the manner in which she asked questions all leaning toward self improvement and personal and professional development, it was clear she would be great to work with.  Thus began my foray into having an official GTY project.  When I shared the book with her, then asked her if she would be interested in participating, she was all over it.

I have to say it has been a great experience for me so far – and not just for the ego.  It has been wonderful to learn more about myself as we work together and I always leave contemplating many of the questions Angela will ask me by then reflecting on myself and where I might grow and improve.