I read a book recently that really got me thinking (always a good thing).  It taught the lesson of giving value to others beyond the level expected.  The concept is "under promise and over deliver." 

What a great place the world would be if everybody, in every transaction, placed chief concern on adding the most value to the other person.   In a world where so many people seem bent on calculated benefit to themselves, only doing thing100077_2s that they perceive will bring value back to them, it is always refreshing to run across someone who operates differently.  "What can I do to help you?"  "How may I serve you?"  These questions, when sincere, are like a breath of fresh air. 

Who are the people in your life who have behaved in this manner?  When were you truly touched by the selflessness of another?  Who deserves special mention here on this blog for living this principle?  I think more of us should be inspired to live this way, and those who are deserve a call-out here!  Let’s hear about it; give us their stories!  And let’s all of us remember to add value to others as a matter of habit, without calculating a return for ourselves!

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9 responses to “Over Deliver”

  1. dean clouse Avatar

    Don Freeze is definitely one of these people! Every time I see this man, he is constantly pouring himself out to other people, even if it will never benefit him or even if he knows the person. I remember one time, soon after I started my activity with Team, I went to Missouri. Simply stated, it was a miserable mess, and this was before I had “thick skin”. I came back to town just in time for the Southfield open. My whole plan was to meet my wife, Tracie (who also is a perfect candidate for this post), and tell her we were quitting. Don saw me and went to say hello. I am not sure he even knew my name at that time, but he was just being friendly. He asked me how I was doing, and so I told him how horrible the whole week has been. I didn’t spew on him, simply stated the facts as if I were Sargent Friday. He smiled at me the whole time and said “Wow, to go through all that and still be tough enough to have a good attitude. I am proud of you and I can’t wait to see how big you become”. Now how can a guy quit after being told that? Thanks Don, I appreciate all that you do.

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  2. Braveheart Rebel Avatar
    Braveheart Rebel

    Several years ago, I started building an online business and had noone to help and support me. There was noone offering to teach and train me. I was all by myself. Although I was on my own, the Lord was looking out for me and helped me develop a fairly good size team of people which helped create a decent income. But I still had no pattern, no system, no coach and no example to follow.
    After tracking down Orrin Woodward and leaving a message on his voicemail, one day I received a phone call from Orrin. He invited me to his home in Michigan late one night. He stayed up sharing with me until the wee (is that really a word) hours of the morning. Teaching, encouraging, building me up. He never once asked for anything in return. For several years after that Orrin & I would voicemail back and forth. Even though I was not a part of Team, Orrin always took the time to return my phone calls. And every single time gave me tips and ended every single call with a sincere “I believe in you.”
    Never did he ask anything in return. I will never forget all he did for me and look forward to gaining an even closer mentorship from him in the future.

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  3. Phyllis Hoff Avatar
    Phyllis Hoff

    Chris:
    I know I am not the only one who feels this way, but you and Terri so fit the under promise and over deliver. You two are always giving to everyone, whether we are in a direct team of yours or not. Every time I see you two, you are always putting yourself out for others, and putting yourself last. I know I speak for many when I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do.
    Phyllis

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  4. Phyllis Hoff Avatar
    Phyllis Hoff

    Chris:
    I received this today from my cousin, and thought it was great. I know you will too.
    Rules from God for 2008
    1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day. “Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalms 118:24
    2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
    3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. “He who guards his lips guards his soul.” Proverbs 13:3
    4. Stand Up!!… For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. “Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…” Galatians 6:9-10
    5. Look Up !!… To the Lord. “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
    6. Reach Up !!… For something higher. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.”
    Proverbs 3:5-6
    7. Lift Up !!… Your Prayers.
    “Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.”
    Philippians 4:6
    God Bless,
    Phyllis

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  5. Rosko Avatar
    Rosko

    Chris,
    I thin the whole leadership on the team needs to be mentioned here. But I also think of my pastor, his messages always leave me thinking every sunday.

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  6. Gary McAdams Avatar
    Gary McAdams

    Chris,
    What a great post as always. Obviously we could go on and on about EVERY member of TEAM Leadership, but I would like to say a word about a couple I have gotten to know really well lately.
    Randy and Susan Walker are the perfect example of always looking for how to serve others selflessly. Each time I am around them, I am amazed by just how big there hearts are!
    Thank you Randy & Susan, there is not enough space on this blog to expand on all the ways you serve people with the purest of motives.

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  7. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Chris,
    My son, Paul(11),has a heart that spends the majority of its time thinking of others. We’ve started making triple (even quadruple) batches of cookies because invariably he brings bags of them to share with neighbors or friends. He grew up with nothing in a Kazakhstan orphanage and I’m pretty certain this tragedy in his life will end up being one of his greatest stepping stones–an experience that carves marks in a heart that will never be forgotten.

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  8. Deb Symons Avatar
    Deb Symons

    First I must give thanks to our Lord and Savior for bringing these people into my life. For He knows who to put in our lives who will uplift us with unselfishness.
    I give my thanks to a man even though he isn’t part of TEAM, yet, Nick B. He came into my life 3 years ago after my divorce and taught me a future of brighter tomorrows. Then came the phone call that introduced me to TEAM, it was Dean Clouse. Thank You and Tracie for showing me what true friendship is!

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  9. Clint Fix Avatar

    Thanks for the reminder! It’s easy to fall into the trap of “well I did X for you, so I deserve Y from you.” We should all be serving to help others, without an expectation of getting something in return. Great post!

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