One of the things that I love about Hilltop are the many chances we have to learn, grow, stretch and achieve.

Countless employees over the years started in entry level positions and have grown to be successful in their careers at Hilltop, including our own CEO, Mike Stahl, whose first job at Hilltop was in the Maintenance Department over 20 years ago.

Do you aspire to greatness – either here at Hilltop or somewhere else in the wide world?  Have you wondered or thought about what it would take?  Some of you may not have, and that’s ok, we all have our own journey.  But if you do want to strive for excellence and be recognized, at any level, there are a few good steps to get you started, or to help you continue on the leadership track.

There are many avenues to success.  Here are but a few I would like to share that might be helpful to you:

1. Come to work when scheduled. This seems obvious, doesn’t it?   Fully understand the importance of demonstrating that you are responsible and that you get the importance of your role on the team.  You can’t demonstrate your value if you don’t routinely come to work. And, when you are here, show up.  By that I mean be fully present with your clients, support your coworkers and add value to the job you do.   You will get noticed!!  In a good way!
2. Be humble, hungry and smart. Work every day at all three – it’s the combination that matters most.   What might that look like?
   1. Humble – well, to be humble is to be a team player who is other-centered, not self-centered. Think about and demonstrate how you can support others and be valuable to your team and your leader. Doing so will bring you respect and recognition.
   2. Hungry – Be hungry for growth and learning. Learn all you can and be open to new ideas.  Never stop growing and working toward doing your best.  Ask for information that will help you be better at your job.  Explore learning opportunities.  Be available for new challenges that stretch your knowledge, skills and abilities to new levels.  You will be seen as someone willing to do what it takes to excel.
   3. Smart – Be emotionally intelligent. Have empathy for those you work with and for. Care about meeting needs to the best of your ability. Be sensitive to all communications – verbal and non-verbal alike, and respond professionally and with care. You will build relationships and trust with those around you – critical to your success.

3. And lastly, be better tomorrow than you are today. John C. Maxwell says the better you are, the more people listen.  The more people listen, the greater your value.  The greater your value, the more you will be recognized. Do you strive to make a difference in the world?  If so, be better tomorrow than you are today.

Show up.  Be humble, hungry and smart. Be better tomorrow than you are today.   Your leadership will notice and you will be on your way to a new level of personal satisfaction and achievement.  How far can you go?