Awhile back...
(from the archive)
The dice, or the truth
(Atlanta-05APR10)
"...to think in terms no on else did"
Once upon a time, a great caliph decided to have a new palace built. he summoned his ten architects and told them: "Within a month I want to see your plans. The grand vizier will disclose to you what the conditions are that must be satisfied and what requirements are to be met."
After a month had elapsed, the plans were presented to the Caliph.
"Are these plans all identical?" asked he.
"They are all different," he was told.
"Are these plans compatible with each other?" he inquired.
"The are irreconcilable," was the response.
"Is one of them inspired by the true art of building?" he wanted to know.
"My plan is the only true plan," the ten architects exclaimed in unison.
The great Caliph smiled and decided, "I will therefore choose the plan which best suits my desires."
On hearing the Caliph speak, a venerable counselor shook his head and uttered: "Who then will defend the truth if the Caliph does not?"
Disturbed at this observation, the Caliph summoned his philosopher to ask him, "Was I right, or was I wrong to rely on my own judgment?"
"Did you, great Caliph, have any other, more reasonable ways to decide?"
"No," was the Caliph's response.
"Does the plan you chose still suit you?" the philosopher wanted to know.
"Yes, more than any other," the Caliph retorted.
"Would there have been any advantage in letting the dice decide?" asked the man, whose mission it was to think in terms nobody else did.
"Are you jesting?" the Caliph burst out.
"Be assured, grand sovereign, there is to my knowledge no reason why the Caliph should not have good judgment. Your decision was, and remains, idoneous."
"But truth - what about truth?" the Caliph insisted once more.
"I do not know, " the philosopher said with emphasis, "who is more foolish: he who lets the dice roll, or he who reaches his decisions by virtue of a truth he cannot recognize?"
Autumn, 2009
Something abundant and fresh. . .what will you see?
Someone asked, 'How is the economy there?'
I guess it's like it is everywhere: it depends on who is looking, and on what they want or expect to see.
In 2007, Tony Crapolicchio delivered this message during the course of a lecture in Atlanta. It involves a young man finding a letter from his recently deceased grandfather. It seems appropriate.
Dear Ronnie:
Years ago you came to me for help. You said, 'Grandpa, how is it you accomplished so much in your life? You're still full of energy and I'm already tired of struggling. How can I get some of that same enthusiasm you've got?'
I didn't know what to say then. Knowing my days are numbered I figured I owed you an answer, so here's what I believe:
I think a lot of it has to do with how a person looks at things. I call it, 'keeping your eyes wide open'.
First realize life is filled with surprises. Many are good ones. If you don't keep watching for them you'll miss half the excitement.
Expect to be thrilled once in awhile, and you will be. When you meet up with challenges, welcome them. They'll leave you wiser, stronger, and more capable than you were the day before. When you make a mistake, be grateful for the things it taught you. Resolve to use that lesson to help you reach your goals.
It is important to decide exactly what you want. Keep your mind focused on it and be prepared to receive it. But be ready to end up in some new places, too.
As you grow with the years, you'll be given bigger shoes to fill. So, be ready for the endings as well as the beginnings.
Sometimes you have to be brave enough to move from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Life isn't just reaching peaks. Part of it is moving from one peak to the next. And if you rest too long between, you might be tempted to quit. Leave the past in the past. Climb the next mountain and enjoy the view.
Dump things that weigh you down emotionally and spiritually. When an old resentment, belief, or attitude becomes heavy, lighten your load. Shed those hurtful attitudes that slow you down and drain your energy.
Remember: your choices will create your successes - and your failures. So consider all the pathways ahead and decide which ones to follow.
Believe in yourself. Get up, and get going.
And be sure to take breaks once in awhile. They'll give you a renewed commitment to your dreams, and a cheerful, healthy perception of the things that matter to you most.
Most important of all, never give up on yourself. The person who ends up a winner is the one who resolves to win. Give life everything you've got, and life will give its best back to you.
Love always,
Grandpa
Spring, 2009
This is a test...
Oh, wait...! It's not, is it?
And it's not a rehearsal.
And that old adage, "There's never time to do it right, but..." Well, in our world, there's no reason your business has to be a proving ground for that kind of thinking.
It makes sense, that as your business changes, you'll look around for ideas and for people to help navigate the change; to help you get it right the first time.
We do that.
We take ideas - dreams, really - and work with people and technology to turn them into practical, money-making practices.
We're small - but we're talented and agile - and very flexible. And yes, we're a startup - but we're very experienced.
Our big ideas, might just fit your big problems.
And our biggest idea?
Making our customer - you - happy, and successful. Find out how we can help.
When 'old' technology is new (3-parts)
August, 2007
ABSTRACT:
Sometimes, technology that has long since ceased being considered 'leading edge' by the majority of industry segments presents itself as almost 'bleeding edge' to businesses that have, for whatever reason, tended to lag behind on adoption of new trends. Using EDI as an example, this series of articles explores how the disruptive effect is the same for the late-comers as for the early adopters. It also positions the company and management to consider what might be a do-or-die scenario: is this late adoption a sign of awakening? Or is it a grudging acquiescence? Will it vivify? Or will it simply mollify?
When 'old' technology is new
Bubbling Over ... by design
August, 2007
A simple lesson with corollary applications
In a room in my house, I have a small fountain.
Bubbling over ... by design