Fulfillment of Dream

HB3 on April 21, 2011

REVISED:  The link to the Tennessean article was taken down, so I have included the text below.

This weekend I wrote a post for this blog entitled Fullfillment of a Dream.  Maybe I shouldn’t have been, but I was surprised to find paralells between the Easter story and the encouragement that I try to provide to myself and others by repeating the phrase “Dream Big, Then Execute.”

When I finished the piece, I decided to share it with my friends at the Tennesseean newspaper to see if it would fit with their editorial plans for the week.  I suppose that it did because they published it in their online edition this morning.

It really is amazing how often the Bible gives us explicit direction for our every day lives.  I hope that you will take the time to read it and enjoy.  #DBTE
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As we approach Easter Sunday, we have an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which religion impacts our daily life. This season was I stirred to contemplation when I received a devotional via email that is a part of my daily routine. Today God is First, written by Os Hillman, reminds me to keep my faith close by while at the office. But, of course, some of Mr. Hillman’s homilies impact me more than others.

Last week I read one entitled “Death and Birth of a Vision.” Highlighting John 12:24:

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

Hillman illustrates birth, death, and fulfillment with the story of how Abraham had a vision of being the father of a great nation (birth). However, recall that Sara was old and barren (death), yet she eventually did give birth to a son, bringing Abraham’s vision to fulfillment.

As Hillman did, those of us with even a little exposure to Sunday School might be able to apply a similar lesson to the stories of Joseph’s declination into the pit and eventual rise to become ruler; Moses’ denied requests to “let my people go” and eventual crossing of the Red Sea; and, in this Lenten season, the virgin birth of the Christ child, His brutal crucifixion before conquering the grave and ascending to the right hand of the Father.

But, do we ever stop to consider the relationship of these historical allegories to the dreams and ambitions that we have for our own lives, relationships or businesses?

If we pause and think about it we might realize that the dreaming part is easy. Dreams, ideas and concepts are easy to come by.

Sometimes I look out the window to see my boys lying on the trampoline talking and laughing while watching the clouds go by. They are dreaming. Dreaming is what children do – even fully grown ones. Dreaming is necessary, but also immature, because it’s just the birth.

(I had a mentor once tell me that I was good for ideas. At the time I took it as a compliment. It took me a while to realize that he never finished his sentence…)

Executing on ideas and dreams is not so easy. Executing on a dream causes children skinned knees and broken bones. Executing can bring about change and cause pain, anguish and even death. Failure is a required precursor for success. Executing hurts!

We’ve all heard the cliché’s: “This is not for the faint of heart…” “Don’t try this at home…” “It’s not as easy as it looks…” or “E’rebody ain’t able.”

That’s because they ain’t! And that’s because too many of us give up on our dreams, or fail to take the steps necessary to ensure fulfillment.

Fulfilling a dream requires overcoming obstacles and takes time, dedication, focus and education. Sara and Abraham took a detour from God’s plan; Joseph spent many years in a prison cell before being recognized as leader; Moses certainly had to ask Pharaoh to release the captives more than once; and the Israelites learned some painful lessons in the desert before making it to the Promised Land.

In addition, and importantly, fulfillment requires foregoing your will in favor of your calling. On the eve of his crucifixion, in the Gethsemane garden, Jesus prayed “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not my will but thine be done.” (Matthew 26:39)

Quite literally, fulfillment first required a birth and a death. It is no different for you or for me.

Dreaming is easy. Executing hurts. But fulfillment is worth it.

Dream Big, Then Execute. #DBTE

Tools and Simplicity Part II

HB3 on April 8, 2011

Just over a month ago I posted on Tools and Simplicity – regarding a challenging organizational behavior problem that I was facing at Gray Line. Thanks to those of you who took the time to offer some on- and off-line counsel to a brother.

I did my best to listen – to the wisdom you shared, to my partner, and to my teammates. I also did some reading, some coaching, some thinking and, of course Andy, some praying. And I am pleased to report that things are getting better. While a very emotional and challenging subject… the improvements that were ultimately implemented are actually pretty simple – or at least straight forward – for the most part.

The steps that we have taken can be divided into three segments:

1. Let ‘Em Do Their Jobs
2. Communications, and
3. Build Trust

So here’s my report:

Let ‘Em Do Their Jobs

1. Simplicity: Mark and I are making it a point to provide input to key managers at scheduled intervals as opposed to when new ideas come to mind unless it’s urgent. This seems to provide a filter that reduces time spent on activities of marginal benefit.

2. Simplicity: By the end of March we will have developed OGSM’s (Objectives, Goals, Strategies and Metrics) for each of the company’s managers. These written expectations provide clear direction for leaders and provide a means for holding them accountable for results.

3. Tools: We have drafted a company-wide planning calendar. This resource provides a snapshot of what is coming up so that everyone knows what must be done and when; we can work proactively rather than reactively; and then there are fewer fire drills required to get key company activities completed.

4. Tools: Provide expertise. We have determined that the management depth and processes in our operations area are inadequate and contribute to high anxiety throughout the company. So we’ve shuffled the deck chairs internally to improve leadership and hired an operations-focused coach for the team.

Communicate

Probably the most important effort, we’ve done a few things to make sure that people know what’s going on and can get their questions answered.

1. We’ve restarted an employee newsletter that goes out once per month

2. We mounted a TV on the wall that will permit us to display and reinforce key messages and objectives

3. We’ve begun a weekly conference call that is open to all employees where we provide updates on financial performance and strategic initiatives

4. We have become directly engaged in operations matters to be certain that we understand the challenges faced by sales people, schedulers and dispatchers and can provide direction in advance of problems occurring

5. We’ve scheduled a series of events to chat specifically with our drivers – this least in the office and most important group of employees

Build Trust

This category seems to be the most elusive of our challenges. Over the last two years we’ve tried bonuses, titles, an improved office environment, team building activities, bowling and buying beer on Fridays to build trust. Yet, the question still seems to be “just who are these new owners and what in the heck are they trying to do!?” So, in this iteration we hope that empowering people to do their jobs and improving communications can provide a foundation for improved trust amongst our professional team.

Of course credit should also (maybe primarily) be given to our emergence from the seasonal downturn in our business. Cash flow cures lots of anxiety. And, as Mark is fond of saying, “performance solves this problem.” Spring is here, we are on daylight savings time, the buses are rolling and we are modestly ahead of budget through the first quarter. No wonder moods are better.

Empowerment to perform, improved communication, trust building and a little cash flow have moved us in the right direction.

Tools and Simplicity! We’ll see what’s around the next corner.

The West Wing

HB3 on March 30, 2011

It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that The West Wing is the best show to have ever been on television. It is clear. The subject is not debatable.

Jed and Leo lead Abby, Donna, Toby, Charlie, Mrs. Landingham, Margaret, Josh, C.J., Sam and a few others through an intense, smart, complicated and diverse series of challenges that MATTER. The work that they are doing is important. The subjects are substantial and the stakes are high. Hardball, compromise, nuance is all a part of the plot…

You can feel the pain. Tempers flare, celebrations are often spontaneous and over small victories, and the bonds amongst the team are unmistakable. The victories are SWEET, but short lived… There is another problem to solve in the next episode.

Throughout its seven season run the cast didn’t change that much and the characters that the actors played portrayed a fully engaged and intellectually superior group with tireless dedication and teamwork… because… their jobs were imperative and winning was REWARDING and fun.

It was almost as if each of the characters in the show were born to do their respective jobs. Another word for this type of outstanding fit and intense commitment and pleasure is – a Calling.

What I am doing professionally and have the opportunity to do is pretty similar. My partners and I are off to a great start. We own and manage a company that is a great platform to make a difference in the lives of people – its employees and the community that it serves. Recognizing that makes it exciting to go to work every day. Working with my teammates is both challenging and thrilling. Succeeding provides an opportunity to grow a bigger business, influence policy and have fun doing both.

How about you? Have you found that place – that Zone – where who you are and what you do are nearly identical? Watching reruns of the West Wing last night reminded me how worthwhile it can be to invest yourself into indentifying and pursuing your Calling. If you think about it, it must be pretty cool to determine that going to work is more significant than and just as interesting as going to the golf course.

For each of us too, the next episode has already been written, but we haven’t yet seen the script. Get focused on doing work that matters and laboring with a team that is as called and committed as you are. That’s when the winning becomes a little easier and the process more enjoyable.

Game on!

On My Way to Happy

HB3 on February 13, 2011

It had been good to catch up with my friend. In town for business, he had called and we went for breakfast to reconnect and get updates on family, friends and career – and to reminisce about the days at “Dear Ole Morehouse.” While the conversation was good and filled with lots of laughter and loud talking, I couldn’t help but sense a subtle undertow of sadness.

When the pancakes and turkey sausage were done and the bill was paid, we stepped out into the brisk spring air and shared a pound and a hug. He turned right, and I turned left on the way to our cars. After a few steps, I reversed and called out “Go be happy bro!” His reaction was to stop, pivot and reply quietly, “I’m on my way… On my way to happy.”
I’m not sure that I’ve ever heard a more compelling sentence than those simple words on that chilly morning. Nor have I ever seen a more compelling metaphor for the pursuit of happiness. A large brother taking lumbering steps down a path filled with obstacles – some that could trip him up, others that must be stepped around or over, still others that may distract him from moving forward; windows, doors and alleys that may cause him to stop, stare, turn or detour. Yet, there he was, in an unfamiliar neighborhood on an unknown street pressing forward toward a determined destination.I could insert my own experiences here, but that doesn’t matter much does it? What’s more important is your own familiarity. What does this mean to you or for you?Is anything standing between you and your happiness? Are you in a dead end job? Do you want more out of a relationship? Are you focused on your health and wellness like you should be? Has a dream been deferred? The fundamental answers to these questions may be readily apparent. Yet, I understand that resolving the challenge may be easier said than done. Nevertheless, what are you doing about it?

Are you on your way to happy?

The walk towards “happy” that my friend started that day required bravery. When you stop and think about it, the common act of walking down a sidewalk can be precarious. It can be tough and challenging. But to get anywhere, it’s really what we have to do – one foot in front of the other.My boy is on his way to happy. Are you?

By the way, my friend wasn’t really on that sidewalk alone was he? Neither are you. But that may be the subject of a whole different blog post.

The Man

HB3 on January 21, 2011

My favorite Christmas present this year was a copy of Jay-Z’s book “Decoded.” I’m a fan of the man and his music, but I’m not sure I know why.

The music is often fun, often complex; he’s succeeded on both sides of the booth; he acknowledges big weaknesses, but is as hard as they come; he’s articulate and well read, but was educated on the streets; lavish yet charitable; achieved commercial success without sacrificing hood cred; has “the baddest chick in the game wearing his chain…”

But, hell, I’m sure that I don t know all the words to even one of his songs! Maybe I’m a fan simply because the hooks are dope and the beats keep comin’.

But back to the book – Decoded.

As I passed the halfway point of the book, the author began to talk about the complex relationship that poor people (read African Americans)have with the government. The description he used reminded me of a conversation that I once had with Hugh McColl, then chairman of Bank of America, and the company’s chief communications officer, Lynn Drury, about African American distrust of “The Man” – referring, in this case, to any large entity (corporate or government) with outsized influence over one’s life or livelihood.

More than a decade ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. This conversation took place aboard the company’s Hawker 750 jet on the way from Charlotte to Washington for an event honoring Earl Graves, chairman of Black Enterprise magazine. I almost missed the flight that day because, dissatisfied with my appearance, I returned home to change my tie!

My excuse for keeping him waiting caused Mr. McColl to ask why it was important for me to change my tie that morning. I responded that I had to dress to match the occasion (prominent) and my role in it (insignificant). I commented that my initial attire would have drawn more attention than was warranted, and so I wanted to make certain that didn’t happen.

He then asked why this event was any different than the many others that we’d attended together. I commented that there would be many African American entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders in the room for this event, and that would make the air in the room a bit different than usual. My initial choice of a suit and tie would have matched that environment, but not matched my role as the guy there to carry the chairman’s bags. His retort was that whenever he wanted to make an impression in a room he simply wore his power red tie.

He also then asked if I thought that African American bankers were less comfortable inside the company because of cultural differences. I attempted to respond more broadly by commenting that I thought that African Americans have a general distrust of any organization controlled by The Man. (Open mouth, insert foot!)

Lynn then asked me to define that term. I remember my mouth opening, but nothing intelligible coming out. Mercifully, Lynn then added “well, Henry, white people have that problem too!” She had missed my point – and I was rendered mute, remaining silent for the rest of the flight.

What I couldn’t say then, Jay-Z says perfectly on page 154. Our “people… have a twisted relationship with the government. …We live in government-funded housing and work government jobs. We have family and friends spending time in the ultimate public housing… We know what AFDC and WIC stand for… We get to know all kinds of government agencies… because they actually visit our houses and sit up on our couches asking questions. …we go to crumbling public schools that tell us all we need to know about what the government thinks of us. Then there are the cops.”

From the middle passage to the Marcy Projects, to the good ol’ boy network – the black experience is different. Our trust level is low, our demeanor is guarded, our patience is thin and, yes it’s true, every flashing light is coming for us.

In hindsight though, Lynn also had a point. The glass ceiling is real and the pay rate is disproportionate. Lynn also made another point that was unspoken as she crossed her legs on the plane that day and I took my seat towards the rear. We were both sitting in a pretty enviable location and were reminded that one way or another, while not forgeting or foregoing justice, African Americans, women and other identifiable minority groups have to get over it and get on with it.

Maybe I’ll make sure that Lynn and Hugh get a copy of Decoded so that they too can bring our conversation to a close.

Naaaaah. If they’re interested, they can pick up their own.

A Day On

HB3 on January 15, 2011

Of all of our national holidays, beyond the big two, Martin Luther King, Jr. day holds special significance for me. It’s a big deal!

Yes, Dr. King is a modern day hero. His principles help me to understand and seek justice. His marching caused me to want to go somewhere – and take others with me. His oratory moved me to have something to say. And his dream inspired me to dream… and execute.

Beyond that, I also attended his alma mater – Morehouse College, met my future bride on the first observance of the holiday in 1986 and, while serving as a White House Fellow, worked at the Corporation for National and Community Service, which encourages us to make the holiday “A Day On, Not A Day Off.”

When I first heard that slogan, I remember thinking “what a great concept!” “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve,” Dr. King is quoted as saying. Simple, yet profound, words that actually sum up to essence of his public contribution to our country. Selfless in seeking justice and peace, and eventually making the ultimate sacrifice – these characteristics define the brand of Kings service towards making our country better.

And so now we pause nationally each year to focus on service for at least a single “Day On.” All around the country on this holiday people in their neighborhoods and churches – led by non-profits, corporations and individuals – Americans get up and get out to go do something to help somebody else.

Good news for all of us, of course, is that many Americans don’t just wait for the holiday. The motto of my church is “Living to Love and Loving to Serve,” and with more than 40 active outreach ministries, the folks at Zion Hill Baptist Church really mean it!

Additionally, I am honored to serve on the board of directors for Hands on Atlanta, a leader in service with more than 400 service projects and more than 37,000 volunteers participating in projects around Atlanta. I am alsoprivileged to be a part of the Nashville, TN community where , following the 100-year flood that occurred in May, 2010, Hands on Nashville, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, small businesses, citizens and neighbors swarmed to help one another get the assistance that they needed and recover quickly. So much so that by the time that Anderson Cooper (CNN) arrived on the scene he was concerned that the story wasn’t as dramatic as he’d hoped. [And insert the name of your favorite service organization here.]

The spirit of service in America is alive and well. A central tenant to our faith traditions, to the founding of our country and to Dr. King’s legacy, this holiday and these organizations are a reminder to all of us of what it takes to be great.

Dr. King dares us to dream… and compels us to execute… in the name of service to our fellow man. Service is what will make you great. Make the King Holiday, and every day, A Day On.