Weak or Strong, It’s Your Choice

Two cups of coffee. The one on the left is light colored, watered down, and weak. The one on the right is darker colored, robust, and full flavored. The cup on the left is disgusting, you spit it out, and say “No more!” The cup on the right has a pleasant aroma, tastes good, and pleases your palette.

Which cup would you prefer? Would you be happy if you paid for a diluted cup of coffee? Would you believe you got your money’s worth? Would you return to the same coffee shop? What aftertaste remains in your mouth and what impression do you have of that coffee shop?

In contrast, the full-bodied cup of coffee leaves you feeling satisfied and happy. There is value in the cup of coffee you paid for, and you will return for more. You had a pleasant experience and Joe Schuckatelli’s coffee house can count on you to be a good customer in the future.

Your personal development: weak or strong?

How does your 2024 personal growth and development compare with the two cups of coffee?

• Diluted, weak, and unproductive, or

• Robust, strong, and rewarding

There are only two options to choose from.

We are already more than half-way through the year, but it is never too late to invest in your development. What are you waiting for? Take responsibility for personal and professional development and don’t rely on your boss or your organization to provide the coaching, mentoring, and teaching you need to grow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rick Davis is a retired battalion chief from the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) in Colorado, author of the book The Furnace of Leadership Development. He served as a firefighter for thirty-seven years and with LFRA for over twenty-nine. During his time with LFRA, Rick led the Special Operations Team, the hazardous materials team, wildland firefighting program, recruiting program, health and safety program, and served as the department’s training chief. Rick is a veteran of both the United States Air Force and United States Marine Corps.

Over the course of his career, Rick has spoken about and taught leadership and decision making to fire service, industry, and church groups. He wrote two research papers on situational awareness and tactical decision making under stress, and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Kennedy Western University, a M.S. in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

Originally from Cedarville, New Jersey, he now lives in Loveland, Colorado with his wife, Debbie, two daughters, Rebekah and Emily, and their dog, Java. Rick is a student of leadership and military history, and finds studying the Gettysburg Campaign of 1863 of great interest. He enjoys the Atlantic Ocean and walking Civil War battlefields. To invite Rick to speak at your event or organization, please contact him.