My route to and from work has been the same for years. Some days I come and go with a decent attitude, and some days . . . well, let’s just say it could use some help.  

I have been blessed with a career that allows me to interact with young, healthy, happy, smart, and energetic people. The majority of the folks I see on a daily basis come to my place of employment because they want to have fun and are typically in a wonderful mood. I’ve never missed a paycheck, there’s good music, great air conditioning, and I even have an office with a view.

In the grand scheme of things, my job is a dream!

Guess what, though. It’s still a job, and like anyone else, I can allow myself to become frustrated.

You can probably think of a million excuses about your job being too difficult or demanding. Maybe they don’t pay you enough. Do you just get tired of doing the same ol’ thing or dealing with frustrating people?  

Throughout my years of coming and going, I’ve had one man unknowingly and consistently challenge me to take responsibility and have a better attitude, when I’d rather be in a foul mood.

My wife, Leslie, and I always see him working hard, and we routinely comment to one another how great a job the handyman at The Villages at Lakeside in Auburn, AL, does.

Leslie asked me one day, “Have you thought about profiling him?” The sad thing is, I’d never even spoken to the man.

On April 11th, I finally stopped to pay my respects and meet the Sharper Leader whom I’d admired from afar for years, Mr. Dennis Countryman.  

Routinely working in the miserable Alabama heat, Mr. Dennis doesn’t strike me as one who makes excuses. As you can see, he provides his residents and the surrounding neighborhood with beautiful landscaping. The work he does is difficult and uncomfortable, even with two hands!

Mr. Dennis, thank you for the excellent example of being a Sharper Leader you’ve demonstrated over the years! I appreciate all your hard work to make our community more beautiful and for the inspiration to rid myself of excuses while striving to do my job to the best of my abilities.