Technical Advise Week #12 - Pass It On

Well Max & I are back online this week. Dad did a wonderful job holding down the fort while we got some much needed rest. Now it's his turn to take it a bit easy and get his batteries recharged.

Over the last several years we have seen remarkable change in the Information Technology (IT) sector. What was once a process of iterative process improvement has given way to a totally new and disconnected new paradigm. One thing that is most noteworthy is the consideration for the human dimension. Processes are not longer held out there as reverent Gods, rather we are placing more emphasis on people and group dynamics. The combination, while opening up the possibility of inconsistencies, has proven capable of getting the job done. Inconsistencies are not longer considered evil but rather an opportunity to expand ones view of things, an educational experience. We now see books, in the IT context, that are growing the individual, providing personal empowerment, and finding ways to manage difficult people centric problems. With that said, we got thinking about something that Dad has started doing recently. Each day he takes $1 and writes on the bill (which is probably a violation of at least a half dozen federal laws) 'Have a Wonderful Day'. He is observant to people and how they carryout out their daily affairs. Sometimes it's a person who is not appreciated for services, or it may be a person do has done something special that has effect on the community. He gives them the token dollar and provides these simple instructions...

"Do with this as you may, buy something or pass it along to someone who is special"

No further instructions or requirements are given, in keeping with his 'keep it simple' philosophy. It is somewhat like 'Pay it Forward' or as another person was doing giving out $2 bills for positive attitudes. The money isn't the issue, it's what it symbolizes and how it makes one feel on both sides.

While the new paradigms talk about velocity in terms of work accomplishment, one cannot overlook the velocity that we see in people's attitudes and work ethic. The excitement is contagious. So... maybe you too would like to make a difference. Wouldn't it be great to see dollars showing up on a regular basis with the simple inscription.... "Have a Wonderful Day!".