I have been married to my wonderful, beautiful wife Sonya for over 21 years. One of our family’s favorite stories is how we met. It was on a blind date.
The funny thing about this evening was she was angry at me BEFORE we ever met! Most people get to know me first! My best friend set us up as Sonya was good friends with his girlfriend at the time. He arranged for us to meet them at a restaurant.
Unbeknownst to me, this infuriated Sonya. She thought, “No way! He is coming to my house to meet my parents and pick me up!” I would have preferred that myself but my friend was handling the arrangements. I was simply driving the car.
Well, when Sonya opened the door and I saw her for the first time, I thought “WOW!” It was love at first sight for me. More on that later.
It took her a little longer to fall in love as she had a different first impression. Sonya was wearing blue jeans, a nice blouse, and tennis shoes. I thought she was gorgeous! In her mind, this was the worst outfit she owned. She was wearing it in rebellion.
I was wearing slacks, a red power tie, and long-sleeved, starched white shirt. Over the top of my ensemble was a long, thick, black trench coat. I thought I looked great (or at least as great as I could look). She thought, “Why is this guy so dressed up?”
Well, we had a great night together and, as they say, the rest is history.  There are several important leadership lessons that can be gleaned from our blind date.
- The Value Of Networking – I have never lost sight that it was another person introduced me to my wife. The greatest leaders understand the value and utilize networking opportunities. Also, often the leader who does the most networking, controls the network.
- When Opportunity Presents Itself, It Is Too Late To Prepare – When Sonya opened that door, I had to have my act together.  Leaders, you never have to recover from a good start.
- There Is A Difference Between Sensing An Opportunity And Seizing It – This was the girl I had prayed for since I was a teenager.  I had to do everything I could to impress her.  Peyton Manning once said, “You have to decide: Do you want to make things happen or do you want to watch things happen? It’s been my experience that most of the people who watch things happen are the ones who are usually wondering what just happened.â€
- Great Opportunity Often Does Not Fit Into Our Pre-Packaged Systems And Plans – I am a very organized individual. You can tell by reading this site that I like lists and things in order. I thought love at first sight was ridiculous…until it happened to me!!! Leaders, great opportunity originates from the most unexpected sources.
- The Power Of Partnership – Because of my wife, I have been able to accomplish far more in my life than I ever could without her. Just ask anyone who knows us!  The biblical principle from Deuteronomy 32 is correct, “One can put a thousand to flight, but two can put ten thousand.”
I would also like to add Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” Amen!
Networking, Preparation, Opportunity, Unusual Sources, and Partnership. These are five lessons anyone can learn from the night I fell in love. Oh, and don’t forget FAVOR as well.
What have your relationships taught you about leadership?
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