Are You Growing or Swelling?

“Every man who takes office in Washington either grows or swells, and when I give a man an office, I watch him carefully to see whether he is growing or swelling.” – Woodrow T. Wilson

A friend shared this quote with me this week, and I love it! Are you growing or swelling?

Signs of Growth

• Developing relationships
• Making decisions that are best for the company/team
• Resolving conflict
• Creating change
• Communicating
• Growing businesses (economic growth or stimulation in the event it’s Washington)
• Positive atmosphere
• Feeling of teamwork

Signs of Swelling

• Using the words “I,” “me,” and “my” more than “we”
• Politics and maneuvering
• Making decisions that are best for the individual
• Little or no communication (or the perception of power in not sharing/hoarding information)
• Appearing unavailable or unapproachable
• Not spending time with the little people
• Spending money foolishly
• Using the title or position as leverage for support