Author’s Note: This is an article from a mentor to my mentors, Dr. Jack Byrd.
By Dr. Jack Byrd, West Virginia University
He was known as the answer man by those who turned to him for advice. Over the years, he made himself available to those seeking guidance from someone they trusted. This wasn’t his job, but he tried to help everyone who came to him. With the internet, his advice literally became known worldwide. He spent hours every day talking to those who sought him out for advice. And there were also those whom he could help with written words via email. Those whom he helped often wondered why he made himself so available. Those whom he worked with thought him to be foolish. The only thing he ever asked in return was to know how the advice turned out. When he retired, he never gave up his role as a counselor/mentor.
The answer man refused recognition for his efforts. “I am just glad I could help” was his standard response when asked about his refusal to be recognized. But what others didn’t realize, was that the answer man did receive recognition. It came in the form of wonderful notes from those he helped. In many cases, the notes gave him credit for turning around lives. But the recognition he cherished most was how those he helped had in turn helped others. The impact of the answer man was immeasurable.
Albert Einstein said: “I wish to do something Great and Wonderful, but I must start by doing the little things like they were Great and Wonderful.” When we think of making a difference, we often imagine the difference being something major. But the difference we make can often seem small at the time, but take on major significance as its impact is realized.
What a thought from Dr. Byrd, no? Take care of the little things, they will become great things.
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