The Simplicity of Successful Business

Lessons from a 100 year old Paperboy

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Mr Walter Sharp is a 100 year old paperboy.  His motto is “if you keep walking, you’ll keep living”.

Totally inspirational, but I began to think of other reasons why he is a surprisingly alert centenarian and what this means to the newsagent and newspaper who employ him.

Mr Sharp walks daily in the fresh air, he has a purpose, he is happy with what he does and that twinkle in his eye suggests he has a sense of humour.  He is quoted to have said he doesn’t work for the money, but just wants to be a good neighbour and help others, “You are never too old to lend a hand”.  He even asked for donations to the Forth Valley Talking Newspapers for the blind, rather than accept birthday gifts.

By thinking of others he feels good about himself and there is plenty of scientific evidence to support the benefits of altruism and kindness.

So on the face of it he ticks all the boxes that we are aware of to lead a long healthy life, but there is more to it than that. 

Mr Sharp communicates with his neighbours daily, he makes an effort, therefore he is motivated, and there is a good chance his stress levels are healthy.

The three key words here are communication, motivation and stress.  As individuals we can all learn from this, but as business leaders we need to be thinking along these lines as well.  Can you imagine employing lots of Walter Sharps?  I’m sure if you spoke to the newsagent and newspaper that Mr Sharp works for, they will tell you what an enormous benefit he is to the team.  He is clearly reliable and trustworthy, two more key words in business.

Walter Sharp demonstrates how simple the important things can be.  The foundations of business and personal relationships are based on trust.  This leads to reliability and motivation and when communications are going well stress related problems abate.

Who would have thought a 100 year old paperboy could be such a great teacher and business adviser!