Evaluate

Recently finished Lee Child's first Jack Reacher book, Killing Floor, and was struck by this excellent bit of management advice:

“Evaluate. Long experience had taught me to evaluate and assess. When the unexpected gets dumped on you, don’t waste time. Don’t figure out how or why it happened. Don’t recriminate. Don’t figure out whose fault it is. Don’t work out how to avoid the same mistake next time. All of that you do later. If you survive. First of all you evaluate. Analyze the situation. Identify the downside. Assess the upside. Plan accordingly. Do all that and you give yourself a better chance of getting through to the other stuff later.”

— Jack Reacher

Milk Carton Kids

LISTEN TO THIS > 99% Invisible | 181 - Milk Carton Kids

It's estimated that there were over 5 billion milk cartons printed with pictures of missing children, yet very few lead to finding abducted children - in fact, of the 200 children featured in the national campaign, only 2 were ever found, and one was a simple coincidence. This riveting episode explains how the carton campaign began, its relatively short shelf life, and an amazing story of one girl who was found.

It also examines the key question of how do you measure success. While the campaign did not have many direct resolutions, it did raise awareness and provide a trigger for families to discuss safety. But it also scared the crap of kids and intensified the fear of stranger danger. The national campaign only last two years and ended over 30 years ago, yet the iconic images are still referred to regularly.

37 Years of Growing

I had the privilege of attending a retirement party for a dear friend last week. It was moving and motivating to hear colleague after colleague stand up and share examples of his mentorship, coaching and guidance.

He is a life-long learner, and he clearly made a difference in his 37-year career. At the end, he said a few words, "I've tried to accomplish three things in my career: a wise mind, a loving spirit, and a grateful heart." Worthy goals for all of us.