The Staples Man Makes the World Go ‘Round 🌍
It was like a slow-motion movie, except it was real life.
I was at Staples, waiting in line for 200 copies—one of those times where everyone in front of me had a big order too. The guy behind the counter was clearly having one of those days (quiet shrugs, rubbing a furrowed brow, and saying “I’ll be with you shortly” in a steady voice—do people even say furrowed brow these days?). When it was finally my turn, I decided to say something different. I looked at him and said, "I hope you know how many meetings you make possible."
He stopped, looked up—really looked up, like he was seeing me for the first time—and asked, "What?" I explained how his work, all those copies he makes, contributes to something bigger: meetings (so many meetings), memories (countless party invites, holiday calendars), moments that really matter. You could almost see the weight lift off his shoulders. Suddenly, it wasn't just about getting through another interaction; it was about realizing the impact of his work.
Ever find yourself so deep in the day-to-day grind that you forget to zoom out and see the bigger picture? It's easy to get lost in the details, to focus on the tasks, metrics, and meetings that fill our schedules.
That’s Why I Created "Because of You" Stats for My Team.
A bit corny (and no, not just because I am from Iowa and we love our corn), but hear me out.
A team needs to know they matter. The stats are evidence that the team has made progress and has a purpose; it’s proof.
With my teams, I made sure the team knew exactly how many patients we’d cared for, how many calls we’d answered, how many lives we’d touched. It wasn’t just about the financial numbers; it was about the people numbers and understanding the ripple effect of our work and acknowledging, reminding ourselves of the impact we had.
So, I challenge you to find those stats. Add them to your next meeting agenda, to your PowerPoint slides—wherever you can. I have spoken in 15+ industries in 2024 and here are just a few that might make sense:
Insurance – number of lives touched, policies issued, number of people who needed you on the worst day of their lives.
Construction – number of buildings or structures touched or built, number of nails, boards, amount of cement used. Amount of people who had a place to do business, to live, to visit, or even a road to drive on.
Education – number of students touched, amount of information and knowledge transferred, places their knowledge will be used in their lives (math at the grocery store, reading at their jobs, history to lean on in their careers).
Financial Services – lives touched, number of people who checked items off their bucket list because of the planning they had done, number of people who retired because of their financial plan.
Gas Station – number of people who visit, number of people who chose to visit while still in the busy life, amount of gas sold and the number of adventures you made possible from that gas, the number of people you fed along the way (drinks, food, snacks).
Non-profit – number of lives touched, people who were able to do more because of your work, people who were able to move up in their lives.
Telecommunications – number of moments and memories made from the games, sports, news provided. Number of laughs and cries given—darn those sad movies!
Not in the industries listed above? Insert your industry here—what are your stats?
But when you share them, don’t do it softly. Say it with the productive energy and conviction it deserves (no cheerleader voices here…use a coach’s tone—the one where you tell your team they are working hard and the game they are playing matters). Because of you, the world keeps spinning, and people need to hear that.
You matter. Keep going.
P.S. Did anyone else know that Staples now does Amazon returns? #GameChanger
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