I saw a concert recently in the beautiful town of Jim Thorpe, PA.  My wife is a huge fan of Nelson, a band formed by a twins duo and sons of legendary 60’s pop star Ricky Nelson.  At the show, Kristin was able to meet with Gunnar and Matthew Nelson.

As we approached Gunnar and Matthew, Kristin was all jiggly-kneed and said “I’m so nervous that I’m shaking”. My response was simple: “Relax, they’re our age, they’re parents and living lives like us”. But, I get totally get the nerves.

Early in my career, I was often jiggly-kneed and nervous in the presence of execs. I thought every move or phrase in their presence could make or break my career. Then, I became one of those execs and I understood that what I tried to do with younger employees was the same that most execs tried to do: put others at ease, encourage them, help them become more of who they were meant to be.

I never forgot being 22, starting my career and hoping like hell I could appear certain and confident in the presence of leaders, those I admired and aspired to be.

For those of you growing a career: engage but don’t fear those in leadership positions. For those in leadership positions: act with humility and grace and help others achieve their greatness.