Instead of getting into the details, here’s what I learned after having the conversation with POTC last night (3 1/2 hours later!):

1. POTC’s strength lies in his relational skills (ie, 3 1/2 hour conversation)
2. My strength lies in my analytical skills (I prepared for our talk with notes, numbering the topics)
3. When questions of such importance arise, always approach the one in question to prevent escalating the conflict
4. Everybody is fighting for (a) their job and (b) their thought process
5. Relationally strong people have a difficult time leading analytically strong people  because of a difficulty in discussing plans for the future, career paths, or goals for business growth (they usually have a plan, but they have a hard time expressing it)
6. Analytically strong ("quant"; see below) people have a difficult time leading relationally strong people because they don’t show their care for others (they usually care, but they have a hard time expressing it)

"Quant" was defined by Tom Evlsin in his new blook, Hackoff.com, in the second episode of the second chapter, as follows:

“I get it,” says Larry, “what’s a ‘quant’, though?”

“The
quantitative ones, the ones that like numbers,” John says. “some like
people — they want to know all about the management team; some like
technology; and some like numbers. Part of a good pitch is telling them
apart and putting the right spin on the story for who you’re pitching.
Our sales team will help with that; they know these guys pretty well.
And you’ll get good at it, too. They ask questions in the areas they’re
comfortable with. The quants always ask number questions; the techies
always ask technology questions.”

I’m sitting in the hotel room in Cincinnati tonight and just finished watching "The Kid" on my laptop.

Starting in the 74th minute, Russ (Bruce Willis) asks Deirdre (Jean Smart) what she would tell about the future if she could visit her childhood self. She answers,

I’d say, "Baby, don’t you worry about a thing. Every thing’s just gonna
be great. I mean, how many of us turn out the way we think we will when
we’re kids. Really. I mean, how many of us turn out to be astronauts or
prima ballerinas. We just all do the best we can.

Basically, Carpe Diem, seize the day. Grab everyday and live it to the fullest without regrets.

The other key insight also comes from this charming southern gal. Russ thanks her for the help and Deirdre replies,

Don’t ever stop asking for help, Russ. You just might get it.

In simple words, a little humility goes a long way.

In our world, there is the on-going debate regarding how to manage the business: which book, which philosophy, which guide, which quotes, which values? I am going to work on getting POTC’s principles so that I can at some point develop them into workable material for the company.

Last night I was reading The Message (my goal is to read the New Testament straight through) and came across this quote from Paul in 1 Corinthians:

⁵⁰I need to emphasize, friends, that our
natural, earthy lives don’t in themselves lead us by their very nature
into the kingdom of God. Their very "nature" is to die, so how could
they "naturally" end up in the Life kingdom?

So many times we are faced with decisions that may have logical (natural) answers that may differ from the right answer. The approach to making the decision must come initially from biblical principles, not only the natural, as Paul hinted at to his audience. To me, this quote sums up much of POTC’s discussion with me.

During the annual employee meeting, POTC (President of the Company, pronounced POT-see) shared his values for the company. He preceeded it by saying some things must change, but other things must never change. These are the things that must never change.

1. We work for an audience of one.
2. Honor God in all business relationships-employees, customers, vendors.
3. Committed to Quality.
4. Committed to Service.
5. Committed to Integrity-truthful, no short cuts, above reproach.
6. Committed to improve every day.
7. Committed to bring it all, every day.
8. Committed to balance-God, family, job.
9. Have FUN doing it!

The headline article in the local section of the local paper reads "WiFi up and running on the Square" this morning. The company that provides the service, free of charge, is the local fiber net provider. The city negotiated the public service as part of a deal when it sold the network to a private company last year. This is a big step for a small community. Expect to see more of this. Why? Read my previous thoughts.

Kudos to the City of Marietta and American Fiber Systems for making it happen and kudos to the Marietta Daily Journal for covering it.

Had a long discussion with POTC (President of the Company) Friday regarding talents and people and picked up on something I hadn’t really ever put words to. But, I think it’s very interesting and part of doing more than just running a business.

POTC was referencing two men: Jeffrey Marx in Season of Life and Jesus in the Bible. We all come to the office with a certain amount of talents. Some of us have 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Others have 7. Others have 2. 

POTC made a very bold statement: "I don’t want to have just a bunch of 10′s." Or, I don’t want to have a team made up only of all-stars.

Refined, he realizes that a company needs people with a skill level of 2, of 7, and of 10. And, to be fair and good to people, we should hire those different skill level people. I think you get the point.

In the end what matters most is how many of your talents you bring. If you have 10 and only bring 6 on any given day, you are failing miserably and not contributing your best; not working with all your skills and passion. The girl with 10 needs to bring all 10 every day. The guy with 7 needs to bring all 7.  The guy with 2 needs to bring all 2 every day.

Because the guy who has 2 and brings 2 every day is better for the company than the 10 who only brings 6. Why? The 10 is not working with all his skill and passion; his loyalties are divided. His integrity is not pure; his character will infect and damage both the company and the morale of the employees.