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Inspiration

Let's lead by example

n a country divided such as ours, it is inevitable that you sit in a barber's chair and say something offhand and
we will have strong differences of opinion about the derogatory about someone passing by on the sidewalk, the
direction our country should take in the next four person cutting your hair—who might benefit from the ser-
I years. The fortunate thing for those of us in business vices you offer—could close off to you before you even get
is that we can follow best practices and adapt to condi- to know one another.
tions no matter what the political climate turns out to be.
A little kindness goes a long way
Thus, now is a good time to review what best practices Kindness is also compatible with the notion of walking in
are for our particular businesses. We can appreciate our someone else's shoes. Ancient philosopher Lao Tzu once
strong points and redouble efforts where our practices fall said "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in
short. This type of review and strategizing will go a long thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving cre-
way toward achieving our goals in the coming year, be- ates love." Mark Twain put it this way: "Kindness is the
cause it will help us locate blind spots we have overlooked language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
in the past. And our contemporary Lady Gaga said, "I've been search-
ing for ways to heal myself, and I've found that kindness
As far as government actions go, whether we agree with is the best way."
them or not, we can keep abreast of developments and take
actions to protect our assets, as well as take advantage of Our nation could use a good dose of kindness. This is
benefits or mitigate the downside of new regulations and something we can keep in mind no matter what our politi-
programs. We can also strategize about what the short- cal persuasions are. Those who are happy with the direc-
and long-term impact of government actions are likely to tion we're taking need not gloat in public. And those who
be and take appropriate actions in response. are unhappy need not disparage others while regrouping

Respect always makes sense and strategizing for the next contest.
Beyond that, no matter what our personal beliefs might be, And we can all remember what Winston Churchill once
we can all take to heart the notion that being respectful of said: "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the cour-
other people always makes sense. The old idiom "Before age to continue that counts." Let's all continue with dig-
you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes" is an apt slogan nity.
for our times. If we were to do this en masse, perhaps more
of our representatives in Washington and state houses
across the land would follow our lead and work together.

It's also good to remember that you never know where your
next friend, business associate or client will come from. If Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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