As I draft this final TRIPLE III TIME message for 2021, I can hardly believe that we have been sharing thoughts and ideas about communication, leadership, innovation and professional development for eight years.  Sometimes the messages come naturally, sometimes with challenges…but always with the hope that each helps every reader in a special personal or professional way.

This last 2021 TRIPLE III TIME message GIVING (Not Paying) FORWARD was created by the post-retirement activities undertaken by a very great friend.  First, I am assuming that everyone understands what is meant when you talk about the person “Paying Forward” for a product or service for a total stranger.  Maybe it’s paying for a cup of coffee, restaurant tab and/or the fare to go across the Mackinaw Bridge!  These good deeds are referred to as special “Paying Forward” acts of kindness…and it is hoped that they are replicated by the recipient.  But today I want to alter our “Paying Forward” act perception and substitute the unique value of GIVING (Not Paying) FORWARD.

My friend who was/is a very successful business person who decided to initiate GIVING FORWARD activities for several young adults he had just happened to connect with.  What GIVING FORWARD help does he offer you ask?  Well his great GIVING FORWARD advice/coaching includes educational recommendations, career mentoring, relationship development, parenthood issues, business profit & loss challenges and sometimes just fatherhood-isms.  His GIVING FOWARD times never seem to have an agenda but are always given focus by the life experiences concerning each of his GIVING FORWARD “adoptees”.  Money and personal finances may be a topic…but never an expected benefit action.

Bottomline:  The goal of this TRIPLE III TIME message is to encourage everyone to consider a GIVING FORWARD action with someone.  It’s a great learning example to end our year with…and an example to think about starting in 2022.