Darland 5+ LLC

Last time I was visiting Ben 'n Em, we're sitting at kitchen table and out of the blue Brynn looks at me and says, "granddad, you like fruit and ice cream." The girl nailed it.

Still struggling a bit with the DVD to iMovie technology. Transferring the DVD to Mac takes a few hours and then from Mac to iMovie a similar amount that wouldn't be so bad, but I uploaded the first DVD...twice.  Emily gave me a tip on how to embed the video into the blog. Did it the first time, but missed a step somewhere along the way this time. She even worked today to load it herself. Still doesn't seem to work, but we'll find out...

A follow up from last week...Thanks to those that provided feedback. And I want to welcome Eric as my first official subscriber. I encourage others to follow suit. That way everyone gets the benefit of your insights.  "Reply to all" is so old school.  A mixed bag on the towel conservation program. There's extremes at both ends of the spectrum. I'm just trying to pull some of you a little more back to center. Holli...700 towels, really?  Not unexpected, Mom promptly spent time recently sandblasting my bath. It really wasn't that bad.

Last week in Raleigh was a pleasant surprise. The facility is a GE showcase for self directed work teams. The workers are all certified mechanics, most have spent time working at various airlines. They give each other annual appraisals, not unlike LeAnn did at the academy. Lots of emphasis on working together. Downside was they were reluctant to challenge very much.  As a wise person once told me, without constructive conflict, potential solutions never get on the table. Well, I put a few on the table and I believe they appreciated it. Sometimes its necessary to state the obvious. At first, I thought there's no way I'd make it in this kind of enviroment. But after thinking about it, my bigger issue is that it's not clear who is my team. Many of my issues arise from defending those who I believe are my team. How's that for rationalizing?

The Raleigh area is nice, lots of trees as opposed to the sandy scrub you see closer to the coast. Lots of growth with all kinds of "Deerfield like" outdoor malls, except bigger and more crowded.  It was a long week. Didn't get back til midnight Friday.

Life is good. As much as I must have enjoyed the early years, I gotta say it doesn't get any better than this. I've been fortunate and am having fun watching everyone moving forward. It's nice to be the wise man around work. It takes some people longer than others, but eventually they all come around. Besides, after reviewing some of these videos, it's clear that I'm a better looking old guy than I was in my 20's.

Some keys to happiness in the workplace...be an expert at something that's meaningful and challenging. Think like a paid consultant. Do projects. (see Tom Peters - Circle of Innovation) Set high expectations. And my take, avoid having people reporting to you if at all possible. Being the expert with high expectations doesn't mix well with managing people, most of whom don't have your standards. Doesn't do you or them much good.

With that said, there are a few things I try to keep in mind when dealing with my clients / co-workers

1. Don't Interrupt (includes rolling eyes & other exaggerated facial expressions such as clearly showing your biting your tongue)
2. Avoid need to get in the last word
3. Use your inside voice

So here's a short clip. Chris & Ben are playing and generally acting like boys. LeAnn's trying to avoid getting steamrolled. Later, she's playing with a soccer ball & Chris is there to help. It doesn't seem to play, but here's a try.

So about the Darland 5+ LLC.  You all know I'm not a fan of taking on debt. But I understand there is always a time and place where it's appropriate, if not necessary.  So if you're going to do it, I would like in on the action instead of the banks. We're not talking a home mortgage here. First thought is in the car leasing business, if you're so inclined. Wouldn't you really like to be sitting in a new ride every 3-4 years? Go find your best deal at your local dealer and Darland 5+ will beat it significantly. Basically, I'll rely on the the dealers due diligence and I'll beat it with my low overhead. This isn't a hand out. Just tryin to keep that extra money in the family...from your pocket to ours.  This is no handout. And don't think I won't drag you down to the court house.  

Kid's corner (Brynn)

Why did the cookie go to the doctor?

Because he felt crummy!

Adult's corner

Recall the big homecoming Debbie had promised. Exceeded expectations!  

That's it for now