“That was my response to a senior executive who was part of a team I was coaching toward culture improvement and operational effectiveness.

Here’s the background.

I was working with an executive team of a $20 million organization. I had spent several weeks on-site, observing, asking questions, and picking off some low-hanging fruit. There was still a lot of work needed to bring function to dysfunction.

During a meeting with the CEO and senior team, I was taking them through a binder of issues and recommendations.

The CEO could not find the tab and page number I was referencing.

No problem.

I got up from my seat, walked over to where the CEO was seated, turned to the proper page, and got him oriented to what we were reviewing.

It was instinctive. I didn’t even think about it. The CEO needed help and I helped. No big deal.

After the meeting, the COO said, “Wasn’t that demeaning?”

“Huh,” I said.

“Turning the page for him [the CEO]. Such a menial task. Wasn’t that demeaning for you?”

I laughed. Nope.

“That’s what we do.”

As a long-time chief of staff, I’ve learned you must have a "whatever it takes" attitude when it comes to getting the job done.

‍