Over the last week, my interest has been piqued twice about the topic of resume versus eulogy virtues.
Resume virtues are the successes you bold in your resume, while eulogy virtues are what someone will say when you are gone.
David Brooks, the NY Times opinion writer, had a column on this topic a few years ago. He also delivered a brief Ted Talk speech on this same issue. It’s worth the five-minutes to watch.
Last week, I was reminded of Brook’s column as I listened to famed business author Tom Peters talking with Mitch Joel on his podcast.
Peters remarked how, when it comes down to all the wisdom of his forty years of business experience, everything always came down to people, people, and people.
Great business leaders understood how much people mattered. And, they focused on people issues without brushing them off as soft or secondary subjects. Peters, who wrote, In Search of Excellence, said that in all of his encounters with business leaders, the great leaders understood the people principle. Peters commented that companies with people-centric cultures that lived their values, typically produced the best results. A happy workforce who aligned with the company mission, were more productive and effective.
Resume or eulogy virtues
With the recent passing of Congressman John Lewis and the remarkable eulogy delivered by President Obama, my thoughts again were pulled in the same direction. What an extraordinary life Lewis lead, and he lived it with such grace, dignity, and perseverance. I doubt Lewis ever focused on either resume or eulogy virtues, as he lived his life in each precious moment fighting for civil liberties and freedom.
Obama spoke so eloquently about the man he admired and called his friend who was such a trailblazer. That Lewis’ coffin laid in state at the Capitol on the same wooden alter where President Lincoln’s body rested after his assassination, is like a spiritual connection that bridges the centuries.
I doubt Lewis thought much about this topic. – but he lived his life working hard to do his part to create a more perfect union. We celebrate his virtues through the uplifting eulogies delivered by three former Presidents.
Daily Decisions
Where has your focus been in your career?
Have you been building a resume, credential, and successes? Or, thinking about what people will one day say about you and how you lived your life.
As for me, I’m quite aware of my deficiencies. At time, I put my career and success ahead of more enduring values.
I’m also well-aware of working hard at showing on the job as a human being. During my career, I worked relentlessly at being caring, thoughtful and genuinely empathetic.
Often, I find myself at both ends of this tug of war.
Mindfulness and Moments
A resume documents the things you accomplished. Started a business, rose in the ranks, led this or that company.
A eulogy celebrates the life you lived – and how you were present in the many moments of your life. The things you did when no one was watching in support of others.
I work hard to stay present with the moment in front of me. These aren’t just words, but something I practice.
My calls at 5 pm with my mom. Our nighttime FaceTime with Sarah, and 19-month old Bodhi in Hawaii, I work hard at being present in the moment.
And, during each loving text with Fanny talking about creamy tuna fish and the right choice between cardamom and coriander in a recipe – I’m quite aware that those moment and the joy they bring to both of us.
As I work on marketing projects with clients and meeting a tsunami of essential deadline, I try hard to show up as helpful, a good listener and caring about the people on the other end of the Zoom call.
Do you live in your precious moments?
How are you balancing your life between the tug of war between resume and eulogy virtues?
What has your attention?
It is never too late to notice and tug the other end of the rope.
You can set up a time chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Our initial conversation is free. You talk, I listen. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com or call me. 919 720 0995. Visit my website at www.themarketingsage.com. Let’s explore working together today.
Photo by Anna Samoylova on Unsplash
