Lessons from the Pond

I dug the pond during COVID. Not with a backhoe or a contractor...just a shovel, a stubborn streak, and too much time on my hands. But as it turns out…that pond taught me more about sales, leadership, and life than any boardroom ever has. 1. Still Water Reflects Best When the pond is calm, you can see everything clearly. Same goes for people. You don't get to know someone when they're in "performance mode." You get to know them in the quiet moments. That's where the trust lives. And that's how I've always sold...by seeing people, not just profiles. 2. Every Ecosystem Needs Balance If I overfeed the fish, the algae blooms. If I forget the filter, everything goes murky. Business is the same. You can't chase one metric and neglect the others. Revenue is great...but not if it costs your health, your marriage, or your team's respect. Balance isn't passive...it's maintenance...constant...intentional. 3. The Work Beneath the Surface Matters Most People see the waterfall, the lilies, the koi. What they don't see is the liner I had to reseal (twice), the roots I had to dig through, or the pump I had to replace because I cheaped out the first time. That's sales too...everyone loves a closer...few understand the prep. Takeaway Business doesn't need more noise. It needs clarity. Stillness. And a few good people who know how to build things that last. If you're trying to find your footing - sales, brand, or just life - I'm here. Not with a script. But with a seat by the pond. By Chris Errington