A recent blog, Soles, by Seth Godin struck me with the power of its message about the mark we leave on the people we touch - in how we live, our words, actions, gestures… everything!

Soles

    All you've got, all your brand has got, all any of us have are the memories and expectations and changes we've left with others.

    It's so easy to get hung up on the itinerary, the features and the specs, but that's not real, it's actually pretty fuzzy stuff. The concrete impact of our lives and our work is the mark you make on other people. It might be a product you make or the way you look someone in the eye. It might be a powerful experience you have on a trip with your Dad, or the way you keep a promise.

    The experiences you create are the moments that define you. We'll miss you when you're gone, because we will always remember the mark you made on us.

    There's a sign on most squash courts encouraging players to wear only sneakers with non-marking soles. I'm not sure there's such a thing. If you've going to do anything worthy, you're going to leave a mark."

    What a powerful reminder that whatever we do, we always leave something behind – a piece of ourselves that could influence a change in the direction of a business, community or a person’s life forever.  That’s awesome!  Great leaders live a life of purpose, one that adds value, one that leaves a mark.  The marks they leave are sometimes bodacious and huge, and at other times, they are almost imperceptible.  Yet the imprint remains forever. 

    This week, go out and leave great marks on everything and person you touch, keeping in mind the wise counsel of Albert Einstein: "The value of a man should be seen in what he gives, and not in what he is able to receive."  Remember also the caution, however, found in the words of an anonymous quote:  "A person who walks in another's tracks leaves no footprints." May the footprints you leave in your life’s journey be magnificent, and give evidence of your love and passion for being all that you ever dreamed you could be.  And in your journey, if perchance you meet anyone with non-marking soles, help them to find a new pair of sneakers.

    Have a beautiful day and a fantastic week!!!

Mike

（Permitted to share by Professor Michael M. Reuter ，Director, Center for Leadership Development

Stillman School of Business， Seton Hall University; Title given by http://weibo/houshengtian）