In this series of articles… I share thoughts on what I call “keep sakes” that we can acquire for use and inspiration in our corporate journeys.

I once worked with a certain corporate leader who has impacted my professional life in more ways than I have actually disclosed to him!

One day, at an agreement signing ceremony, he walked into the boardroom and took his seat. A few seconds later he beckoned his Executive Assistant to approach him and whispered an instruction which was of course inaudible to the rest of us. I noticed a few minutes later that the pen he was to use was gracefully changed.

Whenever my leader had to sign his (rather elaborate!) signature, he always used the same fountain pen and ink colour. This was a mark that consistently accompanied his unique signature. I wondered about the insistence on the type of tool he preferred to use for signing and came to the conclusion that there was a deeper connection to be investigated. It became associated with him and signified his authenticity. It spoke to deliberate and conscious commitment to quality.

Another mark that I associated with my leader at the time was his insistence that he would not rush through appraisal meetings he had with his direct reports. The period was blocked out from appointments and phone calls to ensure that he was present every minute of the engagement. I found that to be an exceptional show of commitment to quality.

A couple of years ago, while shopping with my children, I bought a fountain pen and was asked, “ Mum, why are you spending that much on a pen? Your other pens also work!” I turned to them and said I wanted to associate it with my signature and brand personality. By then, I had just started with my brand work and consultancy. They chuckled and moved on, shaking their heads!

Feeling challenged and wanting to justify my purchase, I said to them, “ One day, I will sign something important with this pen and I want to be ready”.

A few years later, I am signing autographs to people on copies of my book… consistently with that pen. Hoping it will stick to me like it has with my former corporate leader!

As corporates, it is important to strive to be unique for effect…don’t be shy, go ahead and tell me how it goes!