32. Show An Attitude Of Gratitude.

Recognizing people doing things right is more effective than pointing out when they do things wrong. Focus on people’s strengths and regularly extend meaningful acknowledgement and appreciation – in all directions throughout our company.

Marc's Message:

I could never fully understand why some people feel a sense of entitlement.  We come into this world with nothing.  We leave this world with nothing.  Everything that happens in between that time in our journey is a blessing.  I’ve always been of the mindset that we should feel grateful for anything and everything.

I believe it’s so important for us to feel grateful for what we do have, rather than what we don’t have, whether it’s our health, our immediate families, close friends, faith, and of course our Famous family.  I think the attitude of being grateful rubs off on us, based on the people that we associate most closely with.  For example, in my family, my mother- and father-in-law, Sheila and Bill Levine have been incredibly grateful for the simplest and most important things in life (mainly family), and are gracious in their generosity in so many ways, especially the quality time that they give to those that are closest to them.  I’ve watched how they have helped raise our two sons and all their grandchildren, and how they in turn have been grateful for everything.  To this day, even if we are just going for lunch, our youngest son, Kevin, will genuinely say, “Thanks Nana and Pop”, or “Thanks Mom and Dad” and give us a hug.  When people are grateful, it makes you want to do even more.  Kevin is a shining example of not only appreciation, but how he goes out of his way to recognize others and show gratitude for a job well done.

As you read this week’s fundamental, it specifically says we should focus on people’s strengths and regularly extend meaningful acknowledgement and appreciation.  When we focus on the strengths (the positive) versus weaknesses (the negative), people do well and are more passionate in their roles, and this creates more excitement, energy, and a stronger collective force, as we work together to build Famous to even greater heights.  As we continue on in our careers, let’s all make it our noble purpose to be grateful for what we have and to express an even higher level of gratitude for our peers, our customers, our suppliers, and others we work with, and especially our families as we return home each day.

In closing, life is not about how much we have or how much we accumulate.  It’s about the relationships we build and the memories we create.  Cherish each day with gratitude.