Back when I was working in casinos, I had a desire to be the best, and I became very well regarded; but sometimes I tried too hard. I know now that the drive to be the best professionally is only good when it motivates someone to be his or her personal best; when it’s pitted against others – either directly or indirectly, it can be (or perceived to be) detrimental to the entire organization. Good work is and should be its own reward; anything more is a bonus. When I openly vied to be a vice president, it alluded me for what I now know were obvious reasons. But after working to just be my own best self, it came to me as a genuine surprise. And I realized that was as it should be. Don’t get me wrong: it’s okay to be competitive … with yourself. But in business, that drive should be for everyone’s benefit: it takes time and perspective to realize stuff like that. I’m still driving hard: and still trying to do that for everyone’s benefit. The best people to be around – at work or home, are those that share freely, play nicely, help quietly, give humbly, and engage openly. That’s how we should all try to be today.
Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx (1890 – 1977): American comedian, actor, writer, stage; film, radio, and television star considered to have been one of America's greatest comedians
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