Several years ago lightning struck and killed the tall pine tree in the small wooded area across the street from our home.
Today the tree still stands tall, its branches bare and bleached, a resting spot for eagles, cranes, and other waterfowl.
To my eyes, the tree is starkly beautiful and endlessly fascinating. Others in the neighborhood see it as a nuisance to be cut down. (more…)
After giving a talk about the importance of character in leadership, a participant told me he was intrigued with our blog’s tagline of “redefining power, performance, and connection at the intersection of the art of leadership and the science of business” and our concept of leaders with character and courage who manage paradox.
He asked for a “cheat sheet” of things that someone who wants to lead with character and courage and manage paradox does.
Here’s the list I gave him. (more…)
Today’s guest writer is David M. Smith, the author of The Texas Spirit, (2014; Halcyon Press), and founder/owner of Chemical Exchange, Inc. and Texmark Chemicals. David is an avid jogger who’s committed to living to age 100.
In many ways, the knowledge gleaned from four years of college doesn’t compare to what a person can learn at infantry school. The Army provided me with more fun and interesting experiences and principles than college because I spent a lot of time in the company of officers and immersed myself in reading military classics.
Most students in MBA programs will never have that military experience, which is why I’ve condensed what I’ve learned into 10 essential principles that apply to business or anywhere.
The three of us were chatting in the break room, catching up while munching croissants from the bakery on the corner.
“Sounds like last night’s event was terrific,” sighed Fran. “I wish I’d been invited.”
“Me, too,” I replied.
“Both of you were invited,” Penny asserted vigorously. “I sent you an email invitation but neither of you responded.”
I spoke first, “Strange, I don’t recall receiving that email.” (more…)
I came across the following story (see below) while doing research for an upcoming SmartBrief article.
I was looking for information about economics, and here was this piece on finding purpose in your life. I’m researching money and up pops the meaning and purpose of life!
Hmmm…what delightful serendipity!
The great and glorious masterpiece of man is to live with purpose. ~Michel de Montaigne
I was unsuccessful in finding the author’s name. She or he deserve kudos because the piece is so simple yet it carries a big wallop.
Its message prompted me to reflect on both my first and second acts of life: What is my purpose? What am I working for? What are we all working for?
What does the story make you feel/think/wish for after reading it?
An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna.
The America complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while. (more…)
Wow, what a stunning comment to make!
In explaining a recent rash of dismissals of military leaders, Gen. Ray Odierno, the Army’s highest ranking officer, said
“Sometimes in the past we’ve overlooked character issues because of competence and commitment.”
Too bad more corporation CEO’s don’t have the awareness, courage, and moral center to admit the same of how their organizations operate. Honoring profits has sadly pushed honoring principles and people off the radar screen. As long as you grow the bottom line and increase the stock price, we don’t care how many rules you break or people you crush. (more…)
