Recently, I arrived early for a speaking engagement. As usual, I wanted to get settled in—run through my soundcheck, check the stage setup, and feel the room.
As I was wrapping up, I noticed a few people moving chairs. With time to spare, I walked over and started helping.
Two chairs in, someone paused and said, “Oh, you don’t have to do that—you’re our speaker.”
I smiled and responded, “I don’t speak for another hour. And instead of sitting around watching you work, I might as well make myself useful.”
That moment reminded me of a simple principle I’ve lived by for years:
No job is beneath me.
I learned this from William Crawford, a janitor at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
To the students who walked past him every day, he was just the quiet man who emptied the trash and swept the halls. Until one day, a student stumbled across an article that changed everything.
The man who was seen as “just the janitor” was actually a Medal of Honor recipient.
A World War II hero!
When the student asked why the janitor never mentioned it, Crawford simply replied: “That was one day, a long time ago.”
He never boasted. Never expected recognition. He just kept showing up—serving with humility, consistency, and pride in every task.
That story still shakes me.
Because real leadership doesn’t come from titles, stages, or accolades.
It comes from your willingness to serve—especially when no one’s watching.
YOUR PURSUIT OF GREATNESS
- No Task is Too Small for a Leader
The best leaders don’t rise above the work—they dive into it. They know that greatness is found in showing up with purpose, no matter the assignment. - Character is Revealed in the Little Things
Helping when no one asks. Doing what’s needed, not what’s noticed. That’s integrity—and it always speaks louder than words. - Greatness is a Lifestyle, Not a One-Time Event
Yesterday’s wins don’t define today’s character. Like William Crawford, your daily actions are what shape your legacy.
Whether you’re on a stage or stacking chairs, leading a meeting or listening intently—never underestimate the power of showing up with humility.
Why? Because greatness is not about what you do once.
It’s about who you choose to be—every single day!
