Kit Prendergast, PCC
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Monthly Archives: November 2011
Accelerating Out of the Great Recession
Accelerating Out of the Great Recession: How to Win in a Slow-Growth Economy, 2010, by David Rhodes and Daniel Stelter, The Boston Consulting Group
This is an excellent book for all of us that want to understand what has happened in our global economy and what we, as small business owners, can do to ensure that our businesses grow in the new year.
It’s not a quick read but rather one that requires your full attention. I enjoyed the historical perspective, particularly learning why certain companies thrived in the Great Depression. The authors go on to provide a clear assessment of what our new economic realities are and what this means for business overall.
There is a great section on “Leadership During a Crisis” with six very practical, concrete actions leaders, managers, business owners etc. should take each day during this turbulent time to ensure that the company and the employees are thriving in our new work world.
Be “Interested” & “Interesting”
Bruce McGregor, age 93, is true Irishman and a delight! Bruce is one of those people that is both “interested and interesting”. Bruce, and his twin brother Bob, have been close friends with my Dad (also 93) for years and years. Bob is now deceased but Bruce continues to live here in Reno and to work part-time as a calendar salesman for a local company.
So what makes Bruce special? One always feels that you have Bruce’s undivided attention – that he is genuinely interested in you. Even as kids, my twin sister and I always enjoyed Bruce. He always was there with a laugh, interested questions and a secret stash of trinkets in the trunk of his car to pass out. We felt special because he made us feel special.
So years later, and even though he wears hearing aids now, Bruce can definitely keep up with any conversation over a glass of wine. For example, Bruce joined me last week at a wonderful Northern Nevada Red Cross Wine Tasting fund raiser www.nevada.red.cross.org. As I watched him meet and greet the significantly younger crowd I was impressed with how Bruce can engage others through his genuine interest in them. He truly is “interested” in what others have to say.
Be Interesting as Well!
But the other side is just as important. Bruce is “interesting” as well. He and his twin brother traveled extensively throughout the world. There is not a country, city, town, train, cruise etc. that Bruce can’t remember and tell you which road to take; a great restaurant to eat at and the best hotel to book. Before any trip I make sure to consult with Bruce. And being Irish, Bruce always knows the best deals as well!
What a treat to know Bruce and what great lessons he can teach all of us. This is what I continue to learn from Bruce . . . to always strive to not only be genuinely “interested” in others but also to be “interesting” as well. I need to take every opportunity to go and do – to learn and to grow. And I encourage you to do the same. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that others will gravitate to you and you both will enjoy the richness of each other’s experiences and lives. That’s great for your personal life and your professional career as well.