A Person Of Significance

For those who read my blog or have received an email from me, you know that since  November 2017 my tag line has been "Finishing Well." I use that tag line because of a man I never met. A guy who wrote a book  in the 1990's called "Half-Time." Bob Buford was an inspiration to many and his book sold millions. I was one of those who found my self stuck in the Half-Time of my life and was looking for answers to a lot of questions during  my late 40's and found profound inspiration as Bob described his own reflection in the business world. 

Mentored by Peter Drucker, this extremely successful business person determined that he wanted to go from success to significance.  He wanted to go from making money to making a difference. He began his journey by re-evaluating his life and where he wanted it to go in the future i.e., what he wanted his 2nd half of life to look like. He spent time asking basic questions which most of us miss. Simple but deep questions like,  "What do I want to be to my family? What do I want to be to my wife? What do I want to be in the industry I work in? What do I want to be in my community? What do I want to be to my God?" From those reflective questions he began charting the course of the life he envisioned it could be.

 He encouraged business people chasing life in a fast paced world to go on a personal retreat away from computers, cell phones and the busyness of life to come to grips with these important questions. I actually did that. It was one of the most meaningful "retreats" in my professional life.

Using Peter Druckers "Ten Priciples of Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life" published by Bob, I began my own journey. I would encourage you to do your own research to the following list. 

1. Find out who you are.

2. Reposition yourself for full effectiveness and fulfillment.

3. Find your existential core.

4. Make your life your endgame.

5. Planning doesn't work.

6. Know your values.

7. Define what finishing well means to you.

8. Know the difference between harvesting and planting.

9. Good intentions aren't enough; define the result you want.

10. Recognize the downside to "no longer learning, no longer growing."

As Bob became older he could see life after the traditional retirement age and he wrote another book entitled "Finishing Well." In this book he interviewed 60 people of influence and the life they lived well past the 65 year old threshold. Again, Bob's writings impacted my thinking as I considered again the words of Drucker.

“I see more and more people who make it to their mid-forties or beyond, and they’ve been very successful,” Drucker said. “They’ve done very well in their work and career, but in my experience, they end up in one of three groups.

 One group will retire; they usually don’t live very long. 

The second group keeps on doing what they’ve been doing, but they’re losing their enthusiasm, feeling less alive. (This is where I was in November 2017)

The third group keeps doing what they’ve been doing, but they’re looking for ways to make a contribution. They feel they’ve been given a lot and they’re looking for a chance to give back. They’re not satisfied with just writing checks; they want to be involved, to help other people in a more positive way.” And they’re the ones, Drucker said, who finish well.

Bob Buford himself said “As for me, I have decided that just about all that will be left of me when I leave this earth is what I can let go of to invest in the lives of others. The fruit of my life and my work will grow on other people’s trees.”

 I'm not now, nor will I ever be a Peter Drucker or Bob Buford. I will not impact millions as they have. But, I have taken their inspirational ideas.... made them my own and applied the concepts to my own life. In addition I have taken inventory of the gifts, talents and resources I have and determined I will dedicate my life to the same purpose. To finish well for the time God grants me here on this earth. To serve others and to bring Glory to God. I want to Finish Well. 

I encourage you to buy the books by Buford and Drucker. Consider your Half-Time position or your later season of life.

Bob Buford died just a few days ago, April 18, 2018 at the age of 78. He left a lasting legacy. He Finished Well.

What's Attitude Got To Do With It?

Africa - Business Educational Forum-West Pokot, 2018

Paraphrasing Charles Swindoll's popular published statement on "Attitude" in which he suggests that circumstances, past failure and other situations people experience, i.e. education, money and other events of life are only side considerations to life's success, joy and happiness. His statement concludes. "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."

As a consultant who has spent a life time dealing in the realm of "Change" in corporate culture and leadership development, the past two weeks have been a case study for me on the impact attitude has on people and organizations.  

A simple definition to begin please. 

Attitude: a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.

While working with organizations and individuals over the past 30 years, the excuses for why they can't  succeed have greatly outpaced the considerations of how and why they could become successful or change the culture in which they exist. Often people quit before they start because of their attitude and view of the government, the management, their family upbringing, their ethnic heritage, racial bias, economic or educational status etc.  

During my recent two weeks work in the northern region of Kenya, an area of abject poverty, I was privileged to work with business people who's outlook on life and their future was genuinely positive. To be clear, these people in many cases, are existing at the bottom two levels of the triangle of Abraham Maslow's "Hierarchy of Need Satisfaction." (google it)

These interesting and brilliant individuals are not ignorant of their circumstances, nor are they delusional about the challenges facing them. However, their attitude was encouraging to me considering the dissatisfaction of so many people I know around the world who have so much more to work with, yet appear satisfied with letting circumstances dictate their lives operating in concert with their negative attitudes. 

The group I worked with in Makutano were hard working engaged, and eager to learn. They have visions of improving, but not unrealistic expectations, because they are aware of the inherent systems and circumstances which will slow the process for them. They have no illusions of building the next Wal-Mart empire or becoming the next Bill Gates. 

So what is the reason for such an attitude? With my limited time, I had to make a quick study of it and here is my initial conclusion.

1. A prevailing evangelical Christian culture with the absolute belief that life is NOT about this world  and the stuff it provides. 

There is a huge difference between Joy and Happiness and most people can't distinguish between the two. I'm not certain I've ever met a group of people who have so little materialistically, but who are so rich in joy as these I met on this assignment. 

Now at this point in today's writing some will scoff at this notion and will agree with Karl Marks who said "Religion is the sob of the oppressed creature, the heart of the heartless world..the opium of the people." But I argue this is not religion for these people, but rather a conviction based on their unshakeable belief. 

2. An unwillingness to identify other people and systems as the enemy.

 They view government corruption and a poor economic system as hurdles to climb. They do have strong political views, but don't appear to be consumed with the differences. There have been killings during election times, but those events were more tribal differences rather than economic fundamentals.

3. Educational opportunities are sought for "practical" application to life growth, not an end- all in it's self.

4. A strong work ethic but not at the expense of family, friendships and community.

 It's what Covey describes as putting "First things First." Having the right priorities clearly identified and acted on.

5. Being "content."

A value that is missing so much with so many people. How much do you need to be content? Seems like few ever reach that level of satisfaction. When the people I worked with in Makutano die, they will take out of this world the same amount as the richest millionaire I know..Nothing! 

Like everywhere else in the world, Africa has it's issues. I think they are like Haiti and urban areas of the West in that they rely too much on the generosity and emotional sappiness of Americans. Pulling on the heart strings for those willing to give without accountability.

 But for those I worked with, that was not the case. Just some folks who want to grow their business using the resources they have and doing what they can. Because "attitude has a lot to do with it" in....... 

Finishing Well

Creative Giving

Darina, our Teachers Captain 

During my New Years post I encouraged you to make some focused efforts for improvement during 2018 which I sincerely believe will make you a better professional and person. One of those areas I suggested is centered around "giving." Not just any giving, rather "Creative Giving." This writing is not a self serving "look at me" attempt but rather my sharing with you my experience of what I've discovered as extremely helpful. It's my hope you will reflect, self examine, evaluate  and give careful consideration.

I will admit that during my early years I, like many, was not very interested in giving to or for others as I was focused on raising a family and paying the bills. And to be brutally honest, I was a pretty self centered guy and concluded that charity starts at home i.e. what I want.

 

 During my 40's a new purpose in my life created a new focus from me and I began to rearrange my thinking about what I have and how I should be using what I've been blessed with. 

Dave Ramsey, a financial advisor and radio broadcaster, hammers his audience to implement a strategy that will enable them to become "debit free." Part of his reasoning is the description associated with the "freedom" of not owing others and therefore allows you the opportunity to give to others. To be generous. 

The undeniable fact is, America is the most generous people in the world. In moments of crisis, like floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters, people tend to be more generous but routine generosity is not necessarily a life style.

Here are some facts about charitable giving along with my personal observation and opinions of givers and takers.

> On average American's charitable giving equals approximatatly 2.5% of their annual salary. (How do you compare?)

> Most people are trendy givers or give to the most noticeable charities i.e. Red Cross, political parties, Boys and Girls clubs, schools, religious organizations, etc.

> Far less than 1/3 of the American population volunteer time to charitable causes or endeavors.

> For every US dollar given to religious organizations, only .05 cents goes to overseas support. The vast majority of monies given to churches are to support the building and maintaining of (what I call) monuments to materialism and pride. i.e. my church is bigger than your church.

> Most people give out of the abundance of what they have rather than giving sacrificially.

Be it the skeptical nature of my personality, the entrepreneurial approach or maybe even an overwhelming gratitude because of my life change, I began to examine how I, personally, would deal with the issue of "giving."  During the past 20 plus years I've had an exciting, sometimes timorous, but profound journey and outlook toward giving of my personal time and money. 

> I do not have a lot of money, but I consider myself richer than a lot of millionaires I know, precisely because of where the habit of giving has found it's self in my very being.

> I do not give foolishly or without careful consideration of the need, my ability or availability to help.

> I do not give to trendy organizations or because some charlatan thinks I should.

> I do not give to organizations who have large administration fees.

> I do not give to people or organizations who have only known gifts from others for so long that it has become common place for them, resulting in apathy on their part.

> I do consider giving as an act of worship. 

> I do give from a thankful heart not one of fear or expectations of some sort of ROI from God. After all, He does not cut deals.

> I do carefully examine creative ways to give of my time and money. (Contact me and I'll be glad to share with you some really unique but meaningful approaches.)

> I do give according to the talents and resources I've been given to enrich the lives of others. 

> I've never lost money or time because of my giving. Somehow, someway it all comes back to me when I least expect it. 

I have traveled to 27 countries (some multiple times) speaking at universities, high schools and business forums talking about ethical business practices, entrepreneurship, coaching and partnering with select people who live in these countries. 

The partners I work with insure that our efforts will be sustained after I'm gone. 97% of the cost associated with these activities has come from our personal bank account. 

Last week I was in Bulgaria for the 5th time. I've been working with a brilliant Bulgarian couple who have a real desire to make positive improvements in the community they live in by approaching the educational structure in a unique way. These are not one time road shows. These are strategic trips costing me personally thousands of dollars and hours. I keep going back because I feel led to do so and because I can see gains being made.

 

 I'm not the only person who gives on these projects. Krasimir and Darina, in Bulgaria, who devoted an enormous amount of time in translations work, transportation, logistics and recruitment, etc.  Regan from Kennesaw University who taught for two days and 30 teachers who gave of their time every evening for two weeks to learn how to implement the "Entrepreneurial Mind-Set." You can see lots of pictures on my Facebook page.    

Our Fabulous Teachers and Development Team!

One week ago today, I met with a group of business leaders in the community seeking their partnership with our fabulous teachers. Being prudent, as all good business people should be, they asked lots of questions. One seasoned guy, who's behavior was leaning toward rudeness, along with being extremely skeptical of my motives found out the bottom line about half way through our discussion. 

 

The president of this business association ask THE question that was on everyone’s   mind. "How are you getting paid Mr. Lewis? Who's paying for you to be here"?

 

 My reply was without hesitation, boastfulness or compromise. "I am paying my own way here." Why? Because I've have been blessed. Like you, I will not live forever and I've got more years behind me than I have in front of me and I can't take anything with me when I die.

 

  Just like Bob Buford, a very successful business guy, I want my remaining years to be marked strategically. I want to go from making money to making a difference. From success to significance." The crusty ole guy "got it" and began to applaud. Maybe he was thinking that was something he should be thinking about himself. Maybe you should too.

I'm not sure how much longer I can dip into my retirement funds or how I might find financial partners for the future. I do know this, as long as I'm in good health and have the opportunities to impact the lives in a positive way, I will continue to GIVE creatively in an effort to........

Finish Well

For more information contact me at Billrun@gmail.com, on Facebook or follow me on twitter @BillLewisArksaw