The "Attitude of an Owner"

When we were leaving Corpus Christi and before I had secured a job in Abilene, I asked Bob Allen if he'd provide a letter of reference. Bob and I had worked together on the Northwest Community Advisory Council and the Risk Management Plans for local chemical plants. I asked because Bob had been involved in several nonprofits and I considered the nonprofit sector my most likely path. Bob's letter provided a little phrase that I think captures my approach when he suggested that I would bring "the attitude of an owner" to my new job.

I like that. I'm proud that Bob sees that when he looks at me. That's what I aim for even though I couldn't have told you that until I read Bob's letter. But it's also the approach I see in my hero, Joseph. When finally rescued and elevated to the service of the king, Joseph still bargains so that the king's interests are served.

The biblical term for "having the attitude of an owner" would be "steward" or more precisely, a "good steward." The good steward knows that he functions on behalf of and is responsible to the real owner.

There's a scary tale in Robert Sutton's book The No Asshole Rule.
"The idea that power corrupts people and makes them act as if they are above rules meant "for the little people" is widely accepted. But Gruenfeld shows that it is astounding how rapidly even tiny and trivial power advantages can change how people think and act – and usually for the worse. . . . This silly study scares me because it shows how having just a slight power edge causes regular people to grab the goodies for themselves and act like rude pigs." (p. 73)

FACEBOOK

After receiving an invitation to view CHs' facebook page I had to sign up. I mean, C's no Luddite but how in the world did she get involved with such a Web2 technology before I did?

Turns out that C's evidently invited MANY folks from Arlington Heights and Corpus Christi to visit her online. At this point most of the folks I've "friended" (is that the proper term?) are from our Arlington Heights years – a few are college connections. Eventually I'll probably connect with a high school acquaintance or two. I'm surprised by how many of my "friends" are actually our kids' friends. Perhaps when my wife signs up we'll connect with more folks our age (she's much more people connected than I am).

This younger generation business is awkward. I've already been tempted to post a TMI (too much information) sticker on one kid's page (can you still call them kids after they turn 30?). I mean I avoid MySpace to maintain my ignorance. And I guess one of the reasons I haven't signed up for Facebook before is because of our kids. I don't want to intrude on their space but can't see not asking to be listed as a friend.

But it is fun to see all the up to date pictures of these Arlington Heights' kids and their young families. So I guess I'll take it slowly. I'll quit adding folks under 35 unless they start the "friending." And I'll see what this Web2 technology can teach me about being human in the 21st century.