Thoughts

Today I was asked by a friend about her kids' concerns whether it was worth spending 4 or more years in college studying computer programming and digital media when it looks like AI (artificial intelligence) might replace them.

Sometimes when a few of us entrepreneurs get together, we share what our greatest fears we had to overcome when starting out on our own. Generally, the answers are what everyone hears about. My greatest fear seemed unique- could I finish anything? It was the only fear that kept me up at night.

When I talk to young people entering college or considering their future career, I’m inevitably asked why I picked computer science. This is why.

Whatever it’s called—remote working, telecommuting, working-at-home, home office—the idea of not working in the office every day seems to no longer be the soup du jour in the workplace. Notable large companies are bringing their employees back into the office. Some, like Apple, have created very nice places to work. But why the change? The most recent excuse appears to be the need for close proximity of teams in order to improve productivity.

Several years ago my sister and I realized that it was time for our dad to move closer to one of us. Fortunately, we found a great facility only 20 minutes away from my family. For the first time since I was in college, he was close enough to join us for lunch after church, spend Sunday afternoons with 9 of his grandchildren, attend their performances and concerts, and enjoy a time of rest after a lifetime of activity.

I have 9 kids. That’s right, 9. To be honest, the best training for those in leadership or management positions would be to raise a large family. No other training needed. College degree not required. Plus, the training is free and it goes on for a lifetime.

In the movie, City Slickers, Curly, played by Jack Palance, shares with Mitch (Billy Crystal), the secret of life being “one thing”. For my company, life is productive and happy employees. So, what’s this secret, the “one thing” for us?

“Maybe we need to experience the pain,” said the CIO of a mid-size hospital system in response to my frustration of trying to explain the value of our services for his organization. We knew what might come his way, but be that as it may, he didn’t buy.

I’ve seen a lot of articles, blogs, and books on what a CEO needs to be for—or bring to—the company, such as authenticity and vision, the ability to delegate, lead, and hire well, to articulate, be transparent, show enlightenment, honesty, a positive attitude, and so on. Some descriptions list over 50 attributes. Whoa.

In my last post, I shared three books that started a chain reaction of internal changes at the company I lead. Each of those books played a role in moving us forward and creating a pattern of growth that continues today.