Not too long ago, my wife and I took a vacation to the British Virgin Islands. Besides it being an amazing vacation in a very beautiful part of the world, I also had one of the biggest realizations while sitting at the airport on our way home.  

Many of you may not know that Sir. Richard Branson owns a piece of this beautiful paradise called Necker Island. It had always been my dream to meet him as I had read his autobiography and was inspired by his success and business acumen. This dream became a reality while we sat waiting for our flight in the airport on our way back.

As my wife and I were sitting talking about our vacation, I noticed Sir. Branson coming our way with this family. If there has ever been a time where I was star struck, this was it. While I did not get the chance to speak to him, his demeanor and mannerism made a huge impact on the rest of my life. Here is what I learned...

Never during the 30 minutes he was in my site, did he use his cell phone. It was amazing to me how a guy that owns over 100 companies could be so calm and present and enjoying being present with his family. I would have thought he would be scrambling to answer phone calls and emails...none of that. Also, it was amazing to see how he treated everybody with such respect as I watched and listened to his conversations as he picked up coffees for his family at the small airport coffee shop.

The lesson I received from this short encounter with this amazing man, is that the only way to grow is to delegate everything that is not your strength. In order to be successful, we need to stop micro managing and thinking that we are the only ones that can do what we do. Also, despite our success, we need to stay humble and treat people as we want to be treated, just like I observed Sir. Branson on this memorable day!

I came home from that vacation with great memories and a plan of action. I have since delegated everything in my practice except the adjustment. This way, I am maximizing my time, performing high value activities and leaving time for my family. This feeling of freedom has been amazing. If your team cannot handle what you delegate to them, maybe it is time you look at the quality of that team. You need A players that are willing and capable of supporting you as you let go of the things that no longer create a high return in exchange for the energy you are putting in. Sometimes we get caught up in the busyness, thinking that this is how life is to be. This 30 minutes observation of Richard Branson changed all of this for me. If he could look calm and collected, I certainly could as well.

- Clayton