TIP. Dave Gordon

From NCAA champions to Super Bowl and World Series contenders, to the most highly respected and profitable Fortune 500 companies, there is one principle, when practiced well, that is consistent with high-performing teams and companies: personal accountability. A team will only succeed and a company will only grow when each person on that team is accountable for their own success and brings unique value to their role.

      As my reputation and influence have grown as a speaker and author, I know the importance of consistency in words and actions when building a strong personal brand. Everything I do or say will have an effect on my life, my business, and the future of everyone around me. I am accountable for everyone close to me, so I live with one purpose: to create positive leaders, teams, and organizations, one person at a time.

      After reading this book, and following Dave’s guidance, you will see how your reputation and the recognition you receive in your career and your life are very much in your own control. You just have to remember who you are, what you stand for, and live with a driving purpose to help others be their best.

      —Jon Gordon

      Author of The Power of Positive Leadership and The Energy Bus

Acknowledgments

      I want to thank the many people who have helped me in my life and my career. This book, and the goal of being a published author, could not be possible without the love and support of so many.

      First and foremost, I thank my wife, Kate. You believed in me long before I believed in myself. My best friend, tireless editor, harshest critic, biggest cheerleader, and loving coach; this story has always been for you. Thank you for being the guiding and unwavering force of our home, our business, and our lives.

      For my children, Dylan, Shannon, and Megan. Your input throughout the editing process for this book was invaluable. The three of you have been my inspiration. It has always been my goal to help you find your unique talents, and give you the support to discover your path to happiness and lasting success. Being your dad helped me discover mine.

      For my brother, Jon. Thank you for encouraging me to find my purpose. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

Thank you to Shannon Vargo, Sally Baker, Peter Knox, Paul Dinovo, Vicki Adang, Deborah Schindlar, Matt Holt, and the team at John Wiley & Sons, for your guidance and expertise, every step of the way, as we brought this book to life.

      To Scott Hudson for reading the book and sharing your suggestions to make it better. Your support and leadership continue to inspire me to always stand for my brand.

      Thank you to my outstanding teammates at Gallagher and Gallagher Bassett. Every interaction is proof that a unique and thriving culture can be created and maintained for over 90 years, when you hire, coach, and train people who are aligned in a common purpose. #TheGallagherWay

      To Kurt Leisure for sharing your risk management wisdom, and for never not being a representative of your brand.

      To the leadership teams at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. I continue to share your stories of exceptional service, engagement, and customer experience.

      To John Branciforte. Our conversation was a “wow” moment for me, and for this book.

      To Katie O’Grady, my fellow outlaw. You were the first outsider I trusted with the book, and I thank you for your insights as a successful sales professional.

      To Sheralyn Hartline and all of the nurses who bring their best to work every day. Your dedication to your patients and their families continues to amaze and inspire me to always give more.

Thank you to the many clients who have brought me into your companies and trusted me to speak, coach, train, and help inspire high performance, better communication, and personal accountability in your people and your teams. A special thank you to Lori Arndt for being one of the first, many years ago, to trust me with your business, and your brand.

      To the meeting planners and executives who value my engaging style of visual, motivational keynote presentations. Thank you for choosing me to create memorable experiences for your most important audiences. It’s what I love to do most.

      To The Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars Program. It’s amazing where a great liberal arts education can take you.

      I am also grateful for the authors and speakers that helped shape my career, and my business, with their words. As I think about this book one day sitting on someone’s shelf or desk as a resource and guide to a better career, I look at the many books in my own office and feel blessed to have them standing at the ready when I need encouragement to be the best leader, speaker, coach, writer, and person I can be. I don’t have personal relationships with most of these authors, but I want to thank them for sharing their expertise. Tom Peters, Pat Lencioni, Nancy Duarte, Ann Handley, Seth Godin, Dorie Clark, Dan Schawbel, Brené Brown, Daniel Pink, Carmine Gallo, Donald Miller, Jim Collins, John Medina, Michael Lewis, Malcolm Gladwell, Amy Cuddy, Randy Pausch, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Theodor Seuss Geisel, Ken Blanchard, Spencer Johnson, and Jon Gordon. Thank you for sharing your secrets to success. Your work has inspired and influenced me in ways you’ll never know.

      Lastly, to my parents, Nancy and Joe. I miss you both, and wish you were here for just one more happy hour.

About the Author

      Dave Gordon is an internationally recognized brand, marketing, and communications expert. He is an inspirational speaker, author, coach, and leader on a mission to help people identify, communicate, and deliver their unique value to build stronger personal, team, and corporate brands. Dave’s work has positively impacted leaders, teams, organizations, and associations in countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

      Companies, teams, schools, and associations that have benefited from Dave’s involvement include: The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, American Express, Novartis, PwC, Arthur J. Gallagher & Company, AutoZone, Gallagher Bassett, Alliant Credit Union, Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, Samsung, Hospital for Special Surgery, Apple, Twin Peaks Restaurants, Quanta Services, VF Outlet, Manpower Group, Whole Foods, Oklahoma University—Price College of Business, Baylor University Center for Professional Selling, and the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association.

Dave is the co-founder of Gordon Creative, a brand alignment and communications consultancy. He is also the Chief Marketing Officer of Gallagher Bassett, the premier global provider of risk and claims management services, dedicated to helping people face adversity and uncertain futures with confidence. Dave is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University. He’s not a doctor, but he did play one on TV.

      Dave invites you to visit at www.davegordon.net, follow on Twitter and Instagram @davegordon_9, or connect on LinkedIn.

Introduction

      Your reputation is the most important asset in your career and your life. When nurtured and managed correctly, it can bring you limitless and lasting success. When ignored, you allow others to define your value, and control your future.

      I was compelled to write TIP to help people who desire a simple way to take charge of their careers, improve their performance, manage their reputations, and enhance their lives.

      TIP is for the professionals and high potentials who want a resource and a plan to help them make a name for themselves as valued stand-out performers for their teams and organizations.

      TIP is for leaders, managers, and coaches who want to inspire their people and improve the productivity of their teams.