When someone who is important or has done an outstanding job leaves a position, it is said “the company has big shoes to fill.” Why? Because the person that is leaving, put their head down and made a difference. If they were in sales, they crushed it. If they were in management, people loved them and they moved the needle for the business owner. If they are in upper management, such as a VP, etc., they were well organized, helped the people in the field, and made a big difference.
In Boston’s Faneuil Hall, there is a bronze plaque with Larry Bird’s actual sized sneakers. People from all over the world, put their feet next to Larry’s to see just how big his feet were. Most of us have smaller feet than the Boston Celtic Hall-of-Famer. But it is not the size of the actual feet that matter. It is the size of the positive deficit the person leaves when exiting the company or team. If they have truly made an impact, their departure will be felt.
So, go and be the person who’s shoes will be nearly impossible to fill. Strive for big dreams, reach for what others deem impossible, and dare to achieve what others think cannot be achieved. Lift other up at all times, choose your words wisely, encourage and don’t tear down, be truthful, have impeccable ethics and grooming, be kind, and put others first. If you do, you will be the one that others speak about when they say “those are big shoes to fill”.
EBTGains 