When I encourage people to create an aspirational vision of what they would want their organization to look like if they could have it any way they wanted it – it is often hard to get them to “think big” or “think outside of the box.” To help people think big, I sometimes say “Imagine you just received an unrestricted gift of $100 billion. The donor said to do anything with … [Read more...] about If You Really Had $100 Billion
inspiration
Preparing for the Storm
In church one day the Pastor said “Everyone here is either in the midst of a storm or coming out of a storm or heading into a storm.” I thought “I’m not in any one of those – my life is pretty great right now.” And that’s when I had my “aha” moment. What the Pastor was telling us is that even if life is great right now – you will sooner or later be in a “storm.” We know it … [Read more...] about Preparing for the Storm
Pete’s Persistence
Most days I go to the campus gym first thing in the morning. Pete is usually never far behind me. Pete looks to be in his 80s. He walks with a very pronounced limp. It’s not easy for him to get around. Yet, there he is most every day. He lifts weights. He does walking laps in the shallow end of the pool. None of this is easy for him. One very cold morning last week … [Read more...] about Pete’s Persistence
The Secret of Alchemy
The last days of summer are speeding by, but there is still time to pick up a book for that final summer read at the beach or pool this weekend. And I recommend The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. The Alchemist is an oldie, but goodie that I finally got around to reading recently. It is a fable of a young man who goes in search of his destiny. The Alchemist he meets in the … [Read more...] about The Secret of Alchemy
Satisfaction in The Cause
We work hard and sometimes circumstances beyond our control thwart our progress. I’m often asked “How do we keep ourselves motivated in the face of all these challenges?” I hate setbacks and external circumstances that get in my way. But I try to take “satisfaction in the cause” that I am working to advance. I wake up every day and remind myself of my mission and then take … [Read more...] about Satisfaction in The Cause