Reeling from jet lag, I took a quick moment to compose myself before addressing the sales convention in Cleveland.

I felt the typical jitters you get before meeting a large, boisterous crowd. Usually, I'm able to channel this excess energy and electricity into performance dynamics; bigger gestures, more vocal impressions, and a wider span of eye contact.

But I caught myself being caught up in myself!

Hey, I thought, this isn't about ME at all; it's about THEM.

I hope it's a great experience for them; after all, most have traveled a long way for this and it's one of the high points of their selling season. When do they get a chance to see all of their associates, at once?

They don't. This is it!

For just a second, I was truly humbled about my task. I needed to meet all of the energy in that room, and actually exceed it. I had to galvanize their spirit, but something had to buttress me, so I could do it.

Silently, I said a quick prayer, asking for the ability to meet this challenge.

In a second, my nerves calmed, and I felt serene.

The speech went very well, and I learned two lessons:

(1) Do it for them; and

(2) Don't do it alone!