“I am persuaded there is among the mass of our people a fund of wisdom, integrity, and humanity which will preserve their happiness in a tolerable measure” ~ John Adams I wonder what John Adams would think of the current state of the fund of wisdom, integrity and humanity bequeathed to us many generations ago? …
Category: Observations on Life
Pluck a Thistle and Plant a Flower
"Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow." ~ Abraham Lincoln One of the characteristics I admire most in people is the ability to pluck a thistle and plant a flower. The …
Freedom, Transparency and Trust
"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." ~ Thomas Jefferson An informed nation hinges upon a citizenry desirous of the truth and a government steeped in the principles of transparency and trust. The farther we veer from these two …
A New Way of Thinking
"A new way of thinking has become the necessary condition for responsible living and acting. If we maintain obsolete values and beliefs, a fragmented consciousness and self-centered spirit, we will continue to hold onto outdated goals and behaviors." ~ Dalai Lama Much of the work we do at my company is to broaden the typical …
The Pinch Hitter
While I admittedly do not follow Major League Baseball, I understand that Lenny Harris currently holds the record for most pinch hit at-bats (804) and the most career pinch hits (212). The pinch hitter in baseball is a substitute batter who replaces a starting player because of a higher likelihood of reaching base or helping …
The Habit of Making Excuses
"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses." ~ George Washington The lasting measure of a man is established in the way he meets the difficulties in life. In my estimation, life's challenges earn the appellation by virtue of the fact that they push the limits of present …
I swear I’m done cursing!
"The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it." ~ George Washington My father once told me that people swear whenever they are too lazy to speak with dignity. I don't know if he would recall …
Return to Sender, Address Unknown
"A moral, sensible and well-bred man will not affront me, - and no other can." ~ William Cowper My wife was humming a tune yesterday that got me thinking. You've probably heard Elvis Presley sing Return to Sender and if you're anything like me, you only recall one line from the song..."return to sender, address …
Humility and Repentance
"I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once …
Always be willing to be surprised
If there is one thing I've learned from both parenting children and managing people it is to always leave room to be surprised. Expect the unexpected and while you're at it, never fear the worst. While I would be the first to admit that people do tend to let themselves get into ruts of behavior, …
Gregory Hake 