1. "I don't feel I could ever adequately explain or quantify with words the positive impact that you have had on my career and life -
perhaps it would be easier for me to create a report with a series of graphs. I can picture it now... I would put my 2.5 years at
Edge on the x- axis of the graph, broken into monthly intervals, and I would plot your impact on me on the y-axis... and I would
put footnotes under the graph of course, like you always ask me to; I think my note for this graph would be "The positive impact
of the CEO on the
employee has increased over time, trending exponentially". I think you and I have something in common, we are "numbers"
people. But there is one other talent that you have, a talent that I think sets you apart from most; and that is your ability to
read and understand people. More than anything Eddie, you are a "people" person. Sometimes I think you could read me
faster than any of the reports I ever gave you. In my opinion your understanding of, and genuine concern for, other people is
what makes people respect you. It makes them want to follow you and it makes them want to work hard for you. I am truly
grateful for the time that I have had with you and appreciate all that you have done for me, both professionally and
personally.
You have challenged me, taught me, inspired me and
looked out for me. I don't know how I could ever repay
you, except
to say that if I am ever fortunate enough at some point
towards the end of my career
to lead a team of people, then I am going to do my best to
model my leadership style on yours - to inspire, challenge
and understand those people as well as you have inspired,
challenged and understood your team at Edge. And
knowing the person that you are, I think you would say that
that is payment enough."
Daniel