Acknowledgments

For me, writing is a team sport. And just as with a successful sports team, only a few players may be on the field at any point in time, but in reality, many others have contributed to the game and the same is true for the book you now hold in your hand.

As I think of the women and men who have influenced the content in this book, the list is very, very long. My memory strains under the assignment to call all of their names to mind. Honestly, I believe I could list a thousand people who have helped me understand the power of full engagement.

Obviously, this is not the place for that list, but I want to acknowledge three distinct groups.

Thanks to all the people I have had the privilege to lead over the last forty years. I have learned so much from you! You have made me and our organization better. Thanks for your patience with me as I tried, and sometimes failed, to create a place where you could really care.

I have also benefited by hanging around some amazing leaders and role models for four decades. I am an eyewitness to the power of the cornerstones of CARE—they work! The Chick-fil-A Operators are another source of learning and inspiration. If you can build a multimillion-dollar business and execute with excellence all while employing a largely teenage workforce, you obviously know a lot about engagement. Thanks to all of you!

I could not conclude this section without thanking some of the people who helped turn my early ideas into a finished product. First, my wife, Donna, reads everything I write—and makes all of it better, starting with punctuation! Steve Piersanti, from Berrett-Koehler, is my chief editor. Although I always try his patience, he has a gift for pushing me to clarity. Thank you, Steve! Randy Gravitt is the final member of the core editorial team. As a seasoned leader, friend, and truth-teller, he added tremendous value. Thank you, Randy! Janice Rutledge, Mike McNair, Sara Jane Hope, and Ken Fracaro rounded out the review team—thank you all! Finally, thanks to Jessica Hampton for managing the details of my life so well. Without your diligence and tenacity, this book would not exist.

As I said, I wish time, space, and memory would allow me to thank the hundreds of influencers who have made me a better leader and writer. I am attempting to live the life of a steward; I am working to pass on what you have entrusted to me. I hope you are pleased with this latest effort.