Lead by example - Mahatma Ghandi - Crap, I've got to practice what I preach

An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.

from: Mahatma Ghandi

Today I'll be participating in a difficult conversation. My business partner is being distracted by other activities and, in my opinion, he is not fully participating in either our activities nor his side ventures with any sort of diligence. He is being tempted by the brass ring of dubious quick returns.

Again, I have look at my own actions. Am I working smart or conscientiously enough?

As a teacher, it is natural to just tell people what to do. Lately, the education profession is about guiding through shiny objects and entertainment. But underneath all of it is guiding students to a goal. However, it is much easier, quicker, and more direct to just tell them what to do.

This can backfire fabulously when confronted by a stubborn, obstinate person. And as I have told a friend, my business partner is more stubborn than any four people combined.

So, to get the business back on track, I have to look at myself and my actions. Time to become, or appear to become, focused and professional. Maybe I can reach an agreement that we both up the game.

Gratitudes: Nice weather, stationary, and washing machines.

Comments

We shape our buildings - Winston Churchill - Be in action

We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us. from: Winston Churchill, Painter , Political Survivor, Orator , and Nobel Prize for Literature Winner So much negativity in the world and in my thoughts. Originally, I was looking for a quote about the benefits of having positive thoughts. Sigh. There are many quotes like that out there, but the ones I found where either by celebrities or self-help gurus. Not that what they are saying is not useful, it is just I wanted elegant, powerful bon mots from a profound source. So, Churchill. I'd written down in my notes about this quote. It was made in a speech to rebuild the House of Commons after a bombing raid. I noted the quote because it agrees with my belief that architecture influences those who encounter it, whether for good or bad. But in this case, I am presenting it to my gentle readers as a metaphor. Like: "You reap what you sow," or "You've made your ...

Never Lose Enthusiasm - Aldous Huxley - Secret of Genius

The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm. attributed to: Aldous Huxley First, I am a little uncomfortable with using this quote. Normally, I research the origin of a quote for assurances of correctness. However, after ten minutes of weeding through google results of pinterest, twitter, and the huge quotation cites, I could not find the context of this quote nor conformation that it was Huxley. Sigh. If any of my gentle readers have the citation and context of this quote, it would be greatly appreciated. Second, I decided just to get on with the blog. What is important? Spending time verifying a quote (which is not the main purpose of the blog) or crystallizing my idea in writing. And then to get on living life. Enthusiasm. This is what attracted me to this quote. When things were dark for me, I didn't even have the en...

Keep at it - JK Rowlings - Listen to your teachers

You've got to work. It's about structure. It's about discipline, It's about these deadly things that your teacher told you you needed. JK Rowlings: Author , Teacher , and Scribe Fighting Evil . So today I have a choice. It is my one day off during the week from my day job. Do I work on my book ideas or do I relax. I've printed out my schedule for the week and I do see at the day job I have massive amounts of time during the day as I don't work until 3pm. Or do I read . Argh. Some people say that being being is hard - long hours, stress, crazy parents and students. But then, anyone who deals with the public has learned most people are reasonable and nice. Sales clerks, apartment supers, restaurant workers, hotel staff, and health-care providers can tell you tales. There are always a few who are bonkers or have agendas that include diminishing, demeaning, or degrading someone else or the establishment to get som...

Benevolent Quotations

Search This Blog