We all love compliments, and many shape their whole life to please and pander to the crowd, whether that crowd is in person or online. Yet sometimes you end up pleasing all the wrong people.
In 1934 the most notorious criminal was Clyde Barrow, of Bonnie and Clyde fame. He wrote the following note to Henry Ford, the founder and president of Ford Motor Company,
Dear Sir,
While I still have got breath in my lungs I will tell you what a dandy care you make. I have drove Ford’s exclusively when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got every other car skinned, and even if my business hasn’t been strictly legal it don’t’ hurt anything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8.
Yours Truly
Clyde Champion Barrow
It’s doubtful that Henry Ford publicized that the most-wanted criminal preferred Ford’s. He was just trying to build a good car. But often times you can sense where you have strayed from the right thing by who is agreeing with you. Another way of saying it “have all the right enemies” If angry, selfish, short sighted, unhealthy people don’t like you, you’re probably on the right track.
Common sense isn’t common anymore, and popular wisdom isn’t popular, so be careful who you try to please. Look to the long term, and to timeless values for your validation.
How can we know when we are playing to the wrong crowd and trying to please the wrong people? Let me know what you think.
David Curry
