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Leadership Training/Mentoring Corner - June Situation
THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING/MENTORING CORNER
In the August 2025 Newsletter, we started a series called “The Leadership/Mentoring Corner” in which we posed a thought-provoking situation for you to think about and put yourself into, asking yourself, “What are your next steps?”
JUNE LEADERSHIP SITUATION
James is employed as a sales executive with a very successful small business that sells business office equipment (computers, phones, copiers, etc.). James just got his best friend and college roommate, Barry, a job with the same small business James works for.
James and Barry would talk shop after business hours, when they would get together for drinks or attend a social outing. During these conversations, they exchange thoughts and ideas and often come up with a potential solution regarding an issue in the office.
In a recent company management meeting, Barry offered up comments regarding an issue that was being discussed and offered up a solution as his idea, when in reality, James had come up with the solution during one of James’ and Barry’s after-hours gatherings. James was upset that Barry would do something like that, but didn’t share his feelings with Barry.
A month or so after this incident, the exact same thing happened again, and this time the company’s owner praised Barry in the meeting for being very creative and added that the company needed more employees like Barry.
What should James’ next steps be?
Please provide us with a brief write-up of what James’ next steps should be? Send your write-up to Lynn Rosado at [email protected]
In our July 2026 Newsletter, a team of Silver Fox Advisors will provide responses to what he or she would have recommended to James that he should do based on the situation detailed above.
If you need assistance in becoming a better leader, I recommend you start by contacting the Silver Fox Advisors. Silver Fox Advisors are former or present business owners themselves, and they have leadership experience in running a business, and in some cases several businesses, and have dealt with unforeseen and unplanned situations throughout their careers. We encourage you to visit our website at www.silverfox.org to select a Silver Fox Advisor and also to learn more about the Silver Fox Advisors, as well as our great programs and community outreach endeavors.
Passing On
"Passing On"
Chuck Hendee
A Silver Fox Advisor
We all have an impact on our family and friends while we are here, but what do we truly leave behind?
Of course, we hope to leave something of financial value—an estate, support for our family, perhaps contributions to causes we care about. But beyond that, what record remains of our experiences, our beliefs, and our values? Often, it is little more than an obituary and a few words spoken at a funeral.
I began thinking about this after my dad passed. He was not only my father, but also my friend and business partner. We spent years together, and along the way he shared stories, philosophies, and values that shaped how I think and lead.
I also reflected on my own experience growing up. Both of my grandfathers had passed before I was born. One grandmother lived far away in Buffalo, and although the other was in Houston, we never developed a close relationship. I missed the opportunity to truly know their stories, their perspectives, and what shaped their lives.
When my grandson was born, I made a decision. I wanted to preserve what I could remember about my dad—and to share parts of my own life that might one day be meaningful to him.
Over the years, I began writing. Not formally, but intentionally. I captured stories, lessons, beliefs, and observations—especially the values that defined our family. I also wrote about my grandson as he grew, noting the gifts and qualities I could already see emerging.
Looking back, I realize how valuable something like this would have been to me—to have a written record from those who came before me.
So, I offer this simple encouragement: take the time to document your story. Your experiences, your lessons, your beliefs. Not perfectly—but honestly.
Because what you pass on may be far more valuable than anything financial.
