The Mark Calitri leadership minute: Are you a bucket filler or a bucket taker?
This post was originally written in 2025, when Owensboro was building early momentum in tourism, events, and community partnerships.
Looking back now, many of these foundations helped lead to the national growth, record bookings, and expanded visibility we’re seeing today.
I’m keeping this post live because it shows how consistency, leadership, and long-term planning create real results.
— Mark Calitri
Are you a bucket
filler or a bucket taker?
One
of the best lessons we learned in kindergarten still applies today. In life—and
at work—there are two types of people:
Bucket
fillers who add value, lift others up, and build something better.
Bucket
takers who drain energy, focus on themselves, and weigh down the team.
In
every organization, both exist. But great leaders know which one they want to
be—and which ones they want on their team.
Take
a minute. Be honest.
Are
you filling buckets… or emptying them?
Two Leadership
Concepts to Consider:
1.
Culture is Built One Bucket at a Time:
As
a leader, you set the tone. If you recognize and encourage bucket fillers—those
who contribute with positivity, innovation, and support—you create a culture
that thrives.
2.
Lead by Example:
If
you want more bucket fillers in your organization, be one. Show up with
solutions, celebrate others’ wins, and find ways to add value every day.
