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.

Aloha, I'm off to my Hawaiian abode.

Want to "win" a house in Hawaii?

Here's the info. There is a $100 entry fee and it sounds as if Hawaiians might have a bit of advantage. For $50, I'll help you increase your chances -- I won't even send in my entry.

Be sure to invite my family for a brief stay after you win.

Words to live by

In addition to "The Blind Men and the Elephant," the following anecdotes have shaped my approach to life:

The phone began ringing during a visit to a friend's basement workshop. Since the owner didn't seem inclined to answer it, a question seemed in order. "Aren't you going to answer that?"
"Nope. I had it installed for my convenience and it ain't convenient for me to answer it right now."

AND

During the preacher's visit, talk turned to favorite Bible passages. The old man finally agreed to give his. It wasn't a whole verse but it's found several times in The Book. "It came to pass . . . "
When the preacher appeared confused the old fella explained. "Don't ya see, it didn't come to stay. It came to pass. Surrounded by bad times? Don't worry they didn't come to stay. Enjoying good times? Don't get too comfortable, they're temporary, too."

It's over. Cancelled. Not gonna happen.

The beauty contest for Catholic nuns proposed by Antonio Rungi, an Italian priest, has been cancelled. The contest had been scheduled to begin in September with nun's photos posted on Rungi's blog and reader's casting votes for "Sister Italian 2008." But Rungi's email disuaded him and so the Esther 2008 Pageant is over – at least for the time being. Surely this idea will be revived, if not by Rungi, then by someone else.

I loved Rungi's comment to the Associated Press: "Being ugly is not a requirement for becoming a nun. External beauty is gift from God, and we mustn't hide it." USA Today reports that "many" nuns had asked to participate but this contest has been cancelled.

Another bookstore visit. Something else to share

I like books about business because they're really books about people and groups of people. Last week, I glanced through Hot Button Marketing by Barry Feig. He lists 16 "hot buttons" and reminds us that most decisions are not based on need and logic. Most decisions are more visceral or at least a lot less thought-y than want-y.

Consider these thoughts:

"People don't buy products and services.They buy the satisfaction of unmet needs." (p. vii)

George Eastman, who built Kodak, told his people: "We are selling memories. Memories of good times. Memories of family. We are creating memories." Personal question for ya, which family member took the photos? I remember doing a funeral or two where family members would say, "She was the picture taker in our family. I don't know who'll take the pictures at our next reunion."

"Making friends is our business" -- Anheiser Busch. (And you thought he sold beer)

What??? You were expecting a list of the 16 hot buttons? Well . . . I suppose listing a few wouldn't hurt.

* Sex, love and romance (interesting observations on male/female perceptions here)

* Poverty of time (with the observation that in the USA poverty of money has lost to poverty of time).

* The desire to belong.

But you knew all those didn't you? Check out what he as to say about "Revaluing." It might be the hot button of the future. Most of us make a choice and then find ways to position that choice as the "rational" one. The Vulcans among us are the exemplars of this approach.

Not wearing a tie

"A professor I had in college used to tell me that if someone won't listen to what you have to say because you're not wearing a tie, then put on a tie, 'cause what you have to say is more important than not wearing a tie." Joe McNally – The Moment It Clicks.

"If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff." Jim Richardson, photographer for National Geographic – as quoted in The Moment It Clicks.


While perusing at the bookstore, I came across these gems and wanted to share them. Do you realize how much self control it takes just to leave those things here without any embellishment?