Lesson Learned: (Don't criticize and list the problems without offering a solution.)
This excerpt is taken from the weekly through from "Breakfast with Fred" on 1/29/13.
When George asked me about the most important lesson I have learned, my mind moved back to my twenties and to my mentor, Maxey Jarman.
I was rather cocky about getting the job at General Shoe Corporation (which became GENESCO, Inc.). It was the best job I had ever had. After I had been there about three months I was just amazed that the corporation stayed in business until I got there. It was profitable, but that was probably just luck. After all, it was the depression and the competitors were shutting down.
I wanted this job and I wanted to save this business. Since the Chairman had allowed it to get into this mess, I owed it to him to straighten him out. I wrote out an exhaustive list of everything that was wrong, walked to his office, and announced to his secretary I needed to see him and it was very important. On that day she did the cruelest thing she could possibly do…she let me in!
“Mr. Jarman, I have been here for three months and have been doing some thinking.” (He was delighted because to this point he wasn’t quite sure.) “I have made a list of everything that is wrong.” I started reading and I got about half way through when he said, “Fred I, believe you are right.” So I finished the list.
“What are you going to do for the next three weeks?” “My regular job.” “No, Fred, I want you to take the next three weeks and write out solutions for each and every thing you found wrong.”
I straightened up to my full height and walked out under the door! But not before he said, “Fred, you don’t mind if I continue running the place the way I have been until you get back, do you?” I gave him my permission.
Three weeks later I returned without solutions. Mr. Jarman stuck his long finger in my face and said, “We want you here and we want your suggestions, even criticisms, but don’t you ever criticize anything until you have a better way worked out on paper to prove what you say and improve the condition.”
He taught me three things that day: 1) nobody needs a cynic who just finds problems; 2) until ideas pass from brain to paper they remain tangled messes; 3) good leaders listen respectfully, but correct with objective firmness.
Think carefully about: 1) Who helped me clarify my thinking? 2) How can I objectively mentor someone else this week? 3) What is the most important lesson I have learned so far?
Words of Wisdom: “Good leaders listen respectfully, but correct with objective firmness.”
Wisdom from the Word: “If you continue to follow my teaching you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b, 32 NET Bible)
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To read more writings of Fred Smith go to www.breakfastwithfred.com
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www.breakfastwithfred.com is a constantly growing online archive of Fred Smith, Sr.’s lifework. You will find hours of written materials, answers to currently-asked questions, oneliners, archived weekly thoughts and more more. If you have been enjoying these weekly thoughts you will find a treasure trove of work on communication, leadership and self-development as you explore the thousands of pages on www.breakfastwithfred.com.
The Weekly Thought from Breakfast With Fred
Copyright ©2013 BWF Project, Inc.
When George asked me about the most important lesson I have learned, my mind moved back to my twenties and to my mentor, Maxey Jarman.
I was rather cocky about getting the job at General Shoe Corporation (which became GENESCO, Inc.). It was the best job I had ever had. After I had been there about three months I was just amazed that the corporation stayed in business until I got there. It was profitable, but that was probably just luck. After all, it was the depression and the competitors were shutting down.
I wanted this job and I wanted to save this business. Since the Chairman had allowed it to get into this mess, I owed it to him to straighten him out. I wrote out an exhaustive list of everything that was wrong, walked to his office, and announced to his secretary I needed to see him and it was very important. On that day she did the cruelest thing she could possibly do…she let me in!
“Mr. Jarman, I have been here for three months and have been doing some thinking.” (He was delighted because to this point he wasn’t quite sure.) “I have made a list of everything that is wrong.” I started reading and I got about half way through when he said, “Fred I, believe you are right.” So I finished the list.
“What are you going to do for the next three weeks?” “My regular job.” “No, Fred, I want you to take the next three weeks and write out solutions for each and every thing you found wrong.”
I straightened up to my full height and walked out under the door! But not before he said, “Fred, you don’t mind if I continue running the place the way I have been until you get back, do you?” I gave him my permission.
Three weeks later I returned without solutions. Mr. Jarman stuck his long finger in my face and said, “We want you here and we want your suggestions, even criticisms, but don’t you ever criticize anything until you have a better way worked out on paper to prove what you say and improve the condition.”
He taught me three things that day: 1) nobody needs a cynic who just finds problems; 2) until ideas pass from brain to paper they remain tangled messes; 3) good leaders listen respectfully, but correct with objective firmness.
Think carefully about: 1) Who helped me clarify my thinking? 2) How can I objectively mentor someone else this week? 3) What is the most important lesson I have learned so far?
Words of Wisdom: “Good leaders listen respectfully, but correct with objective firmness.”
Wisdom from the Word: “If you continue to follow my teaching you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b, 32 NET Bible)
______________________
Do you have comments or thoughts about this week’s Weekly Thought?
Share them in our discussion forum on Facebook.com
To read more writings of Fred Smith go to www.breakfastwithfred.com
_____________________________
Do not respond to this email. To contact us click here
www.breakfastwithfred.com is a constantly growing online archive of Fred Smith, Sr.’s lifework. You will find hours of written materials, answers to currently-asked questions, oneliners, archived weekly thoughts and more more. If you have been enjoying these weekly thoughts you will find a treasure trove of work on communication, leadership and self-development as you explore the thousands of pages on www.breakfastwithfred.com.
The Weekly Thought from Breakfast With Fred
Copyright ©2013 BWF Project, Inc.