I carry two black stone in the right front
pocket of my pants. I have, since 2000. Every time I retrieve change or my car
keys, I come in contact with the stones. I call them “in-charge” stones. Why
two stones and not one or three. My wife and I have two children. Children are
costly but a great investment for my old age.
My son served in the Army for 20 years, much
of the time flying AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopters. These are expensive
aircraft and the two person flying team risk their lives in flying them. A
simple but great regulation the Army has for ensuring that the two pilot team
know who’s in charge of piloting the aircraft is called, “The three-way change
of control.” If the first pilot wants to hand off the piloting to the other
pilot, he says, “Joe, you are in control.” Joe responds and says, “I am in control.”
Then the first pilot replies, “You are in control.” No room for doubt, excuse,
or error. There are two lives and a $20-million aircraft involved. The two aviators
know who is in control of flying the helicopter.
I used this three-way change of control often
in my business career. When I assigned a project or task, I always finished
with, “Jake, you are in control.” Jake responded, “Wayne, I am in control.” When
I replied, “Jake, you are in control,” there was no room for doubt, excuse, or
error.
As for the stones and their final
disposition, I plan to include in my will one additional simple comment that
makes it unique. In this final act, I will remind my children of the principles
of the stone.
• FOCUS
ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT. The one stone reminds to stay focused on the one main
thing that makes a difference. Always focus on results.
• BE
COMMITTED. There is an order to commitment. Commit to your faith, your
family, and your organization—in that order. This order of commitment is a
distinguishing mark of a person with integrity
• BE
THE BEST YOU CAN BE. Your stone is not the biggest, brightest, toughest or
most costly. But, it is perfection for this stone. Don’t strive to be the best
and don’t settle for less than your best.
• THE
TWO SIDES OF THE STONE STAND FOR THE TWO KEY COMPONENTS OF SUCCESS. Show up for work and work. Do this and you
will be in the top 10 percent of the employed. Many people quit looking for
work once they have a job.
• AUTHORITY
IS TRANSFERABLE BUT RESPONSIBILITY IS NOT. Though a teammate is piloting
the aircraft, you remain responsible for the safety of the crew and the
aircraft. When delegating a task to an employee or family member, you are only
assigning the task to them. You have the responsibility for follow-up to ensure
the implementation of the assignment.
• THE
STONE IS SOLID AND PERMANENT. But pressure, the wind, and water can wear it
down. In life, change and competition work to wear you down. Continuous
learning and training provide protection against the weathering.
These two stones, I carry will be the most
important thing my son and daughter inherit. Oh, they will get a little money
if my wife and I haven’t spent it. But the money doesn’t carry the memories;
the stones do. You see, every time I held those stones over the past many
years, I thought of my two children. They are in control of their lives and is
shows in their personal leadership in business and with their families.
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