My friend, Tom Tiernan, sent me this powerful and beautiful speech from Steve Jobs as he was addressing Stanford graduates. Tom is a guy who wants to settle for nothing less than living fully into his passion. Thanks, Tom. Text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar AnimationContinue reading “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”
Author Archives: Don Dalrymple
Motivated vs. Capable
I met Thomas Campbell today, an investment advisor with Intersecurities. He taught me something interesting. He works with people by giving his valuable advice. I like his model. For those of us who are in the advice business, it matters. Is a person motivated and capable? Are they one or the other? Or both? It’sContinue reading “Motivated vs. Capable”
Defining Moments
It was fun watching an old movie the other night, Tin Cup. I loved seeing Costner’s character, Ron McAvoy, the anti-hero in the movie. Though he appears slovenly and unmotivated, he is quite the opposite. He lives for the defining moment. He is challenged by the conventional wisdom of his golf peers constantly. There areContinue reading “Defining Moments”
Are You Working in Vanity?
Marcus Buckingham stated, “Damage control can prevent failure, but it will never elevate you to excellence” in his book, Now, Discover Your Strengths. He makes the strong case that if you do not have the hardware in your being – the raw talent like empathy, presence, responsibility, etc. you will have a frustrating time tryingContinue reading “Are You Working in Vanity?”
Working in Your Strength?
Marcus Buckingham’s book, Now, Discover Your Strengths, reveals in a study of 2 million people by the Gallup organization that 20% of employees do not feel they are playing to their strengths. That means that 80% of people are just showing up. Talk about inefficiency. The rampant issue is not that people are making willfulContinue reading “Working in Your Strength?”
Is Your Desire Costing You Something? Why Not?
In Napolean Hill’s classic book, Think and Grow Rich, he agrees to become Andrew Carnegie’s understudy to document and understand the secrets to creating wealth. The deal Carnegie offered was that he spends years with him and captures the secrets, however, Carnegie will not pay him anything. Eventually Napolean Hill goes on to become wealthyContinue reading “Is Your Desire Costing You Something? Why Not?”
Context for Service
I was reminded by a professional friend how the concept of employment is a modern day novelty. 100 years ago and beyond, people built their lives by their abilities and bootstraps. The farmer built his lot. He planned, worked hard and ran his business. He went through discouragement, faith and wins based on his output.Continue reading “Context for Service”
Free Agency
Do you remember Jerry McGuire? It was a cold hard look at how athletes were depicted as commodities. Now think about yourself. You don’t necessarily have a fast-talking agent out there selling you like a commodity. You are most likely in possession of some talents which have been exchanged for a market value – yourContinue reading “Free Agency”
Burning the Boats
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that wouldContinue reading “Burning the Boats”
Someone Else’s Dime
“Why should you learn on your own money and make mistakes that cost you money? You should learn on someone else’s dime. That’s the easiest way to do things.” – Martin Grunder Charles Shipman Payson transported sugar in the 1940’s on freighters. He did it in liquid form because sugar was taxed heavily otherwise. TheContinue reading “Someone Else’s Dime”
