After 15 years with GoDaddy, Benjamin Gless & the company parted ways this summer. As GoDaddy shifted focus from specific products to others, Benjamin found himself in an awkward position: His talent, productivity, and ability to lead could not be given an objective to carry.
GoDaddy downsized the company to save money and Benjamin seized on the opportunity to reflect on his path and also focus on his family. Three months later he’s refreshed and ready to take on new challenges and objectives and he’s actively looking for a fresh career path.
It’s a common story that often underlines one important fact in working class America: Hard work is often left unemotionally unlinked to reward, particularly long term. The corporate axe will fall no matter what the position is, no matter how much productivity and a positive attitude presented themselves to those that crunch numbers.
Benjamin Gless worked for a large company that allowed him to lead and gave him plenty of opportunities to blossom his career; now, he’s giving back by sharing some amazing thoughts about leadership. I felt that these thoughts and advice should be shared further and not get lost in one social medium, LinkedIn, that has become a bit of a Facebook platform in recent years.
Here’s part of what Benjamin said about leadership as he experienced it through his own eyes:
“Before I go, let me leave you with one final leadership tip: Leadership is like a river. If you let others build dams to stop the flow, you will eventually dry out.
Never accept “this is how it is” or “this is how it always has been.” True leadership requires the courage to put others before yourself and to remain curious. “It can’t be done” or “this team sucks” are just excuses we use when we let our egos take over.
Be the river, and don’t be afraid to take down a dam or two in your pursuit to create a better place for others, not just for yourself. Leadership is about selflessness, even in a world that often promotes selfish leaders.
Rise up and be the leaders who create environments of peace, not anxiety. […] To me, leadership is about being fearless, owning your outcomes, living a passionate life, and unlocking the potential to join forces with others. With this, the page turns, and a new chapter begins. The end is just the beginning of the next adventure.”
As mentioned earlier, Benjamin Gless is seeking employment with companies that will appreciate his talent and evident ability to witness life and work with an extra pair of mental eyes. I’d like to wish him the very best in his quest and may the best company snap him up like a silver dollar dropped on a busy sidewalk.
