The late Zig Ziglar once said, “Ability is important in our quest for success, but dependability is critical.” You can have all of the ability in the world, but it means very little unless others can consistently depend on you to use your ability to create value.
When Cal Ripken, Jr. was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1978, there were few doubts regarding his ability. The young third baseman was talented and the Orioles knew it. You see, the team had their eye on Cal from a very young age. Cal’s father had also played for the Orioles and later became a coach for the organization. The young Ripken grew up surrounded by legendary baseball players like Jim Palmer, Boog Powell, and Frank Robinson. Ripkin learned to play the game the “Oriole Way,” a concept developed by his father which stressed hard work and professionalism.
The high hopes of the Orioles were not misplaced. In 1982, Cal Ripken, Jr. was named the American League Rookie of the Year. He was named to the American League All-Star team 19 consecutive times from 1983-2001. Cal won two Golden Glove awards and hit 431 home runs during his career. Yet, for all of his outstanding ability, Ripken will forever be remembered for his dependability. Ripken played in 2,632 consecutive games, breaking the previous record of 2,130 set by Lou Gehrig. In 1998, after a 17-year career in which he never took a single night off, Cal Ripken, Jr. voluntarily ended the streak with a well-deserved rest.
At Pay4Freight, we understand that doing something well isn’t enough. You must do it well consistently and be dependable in order to offer genuine value. We apply ourselves each day to giving our clients the best service, and to being a trusted partner they can depend on.
