Hold the Ladder

Hold the Ladder

Hey team! Here we are once again, back together, talking about Monday Core Value time. We just had our annual, where we had a bunch of talks and discussions. One thing keeps resounding in my head. I saw this picture—a little meme on social media—and I grabbed it because it resembles one of our core values.

If you look at it, you see a simple steel drawing of two people: one holding the ladder for the other. When we think of our core value of humility, one of our guiding principles tied to that is “hold the ladder.” Hold the ladder for somebody else. When someone is climbing, steady their climb. Help them achieve more. This ties into our focus on investment: putting service above self.

Instead of thinking about when your time will come or when you’ll get your dues, focus on being happy for someone else who is climbing. Don’t let jealousy or frustration take over. Recognize and celebrate someone else’s success. I love watching little children celebrate others being valued. In those moments, there’s less jealousy or competition. You see kindergarteners, pre-K kids, and first graders genuinely happy for someone else who’s winning. It’s a beautiful thing.

Holding the ladder for someone else—steadying their climb and helping them grow—is valuable for everyone.

At the same time, it’s valuable to us, too. When we are humble and help others rise, the sky’s the limit. You’ll find that people notice you—not as someone to step on, but as someone who lifts others. That’s the kind of person others want to gather around, build relationships with, and support.

I really believe lifting others up is the best way to grow and advance ourselves. By helping others climb to their successes, finding their value, and discovering their place in this organization, community, or world, we create something powerful.

As we move through the rest of this first month of 2025, let’s be people who hold the ladder for others. Be valuable, because nothing less will do.

God bless you all. I’ll see you next week.