My First Job

My first job was at age 16. During the summers I worked for the Belden Co., manufacturers of wire and cable, in Richmond, Ind. I drove a forklift, transferring pallets of plugs, rubber and copper to the workers, who then ran them through the machines to make the wiring and cable. 

Driving the forklift was my favorite part of the job. It was a real rush being able to control such an important and expensive piece of equipment.

I remember making between $1.35 and $1.50 per hour, which I put away for college. I worked an eight-hour shift with two 15-minute breaks and a half hour for lunch.

I played cards with the full-time guys over lunch and listened to their stories. Some of them were very eye-opening to a 16-year-old. Some I remember in particular, but I can't share them with you because they're not suitable for print.

My most memorable moment is not a fond one, but one that I learned a very early lesson from. I was called into my supervisor's office and told I was being laid off due to cutbacks at the factory. Even though it wasn't personal, it hurt. It taught me that every person should be respected, and that laying someone off or dismissing them should never be taken lightly. A person's pride is always at stake, and their family's livelihood may be on the line. Thus, I have never fired an employee. I have parted ways with them, but it's always been their decision to leave.

A friend of mine once told me, "If you have to lay people off, it is leadership's failure." My first job taught me to take my responsibility as a leader very seriously.