The Real “IRON MAN”
I maintain that leaders are teachers… “Teach to Reach” so you can inspire instead of require to achieve the results you desire.  In the photo above my father is ironing my shirt. I was doing it, but he observed, not doing it very well or at least as well as I might. He said, “Can you I show you how to do that?” Mind you, I was 35 years old at the time…and I knew how to iron my shirt. I didn’t know everything there was to know about ironing, or about how ironing my shirt collar from the tips towards the center eliminates wrinkles at the tips. I know now…. because IRON MAN taught me.
Remember;Â You’re never too old to learn, and your never too old to teach.
Thanks Dad for all that you taught me, and teach me still.
IRON ON!
Kirk
April 30th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Come on, Kirk! Even I knew that thing about ironing the collar from the tips in!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:05 am
When my children got to the age where they were old enough to iron, I showed them how. I have one son that will not wear a shirt unless it is ironed. He would put anyone to shame (including his new bride!!) and brags that he would be more than happy to put on a “clinic” to show everyone how to iron.
The point of this rambling is this: rather than being judged on what is in our head or heart, people judge us on how we look–our appearance. Pride in our appearance conveys a message of neatness, confidence and organization. Although the old saying of not to judge a book by its cover still rings true, when you’re out in the business world a good appearance speaks volumes!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:34 am
“Iron Man”…I love it!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:35 am
My first memory of the IRON MAN is when he taught me not get too close to the edge of the septic tank at the egg farm - 31 years ago and I remember that voice like it was this morning! He was the IRON MAN back then, too!
May 1st, 2009 at 8:53 am
Hi Kirk,
Thank you for sharing the story and picture of your Dad, and your so right about being open to teach or listen and learn at any age.
My Dad passed away 7 years ago, yesterday would have been his 80th birthday. I regret the times when I didn’t make time to visit “Franny”.
When we (the kids) got old enough, we could get away with calling him Franny.
Growing up there were 10 of us at home; Mom, Dad, 2 girls, and 6 boys and we always managed. When we complained about anything, Dad had his favorite saying and it stands at the top of my list of quotes.
“If you can get up in the morning, walk, talk, and look out the
window, you’ve got the world by the ass!†Francis Madison
Kirk, thank you for all you do.
Jeff