I have always been stubborn, and could often be called slightly
anti-establishment. I guess I have the idea that my respect is only earned
when someone has shown me their skills personally. Too many in this world,
and especially in the business world, rest on their laurels. I have never
much cared for people spouting about their previous business success when
they could have just rolled the roullette wheel for all I know. Business
involves a lot of luck, and often successful previous businessmen who have
liquidated large amounts can be spoiled and do not have the passion or the
drive that a pre-fortune individual has. This is not always the case, but I
reserve judgment until I see them in action.
I wonder if we are all too quick to put people on pedestals. There seems to
be too little personal investigation and research, and too much blind faith
in “trusted” sources. I am guilty of this myself, but try to catch myself
when it happens. There are so many get rich quick schemes that go around and
the people involved tout that the guy that started it is “the previous of
owner of X company”, “a Christian”, or “a Ivy League MBA”, or whatever. It
is almost as if they have shut off their brain and signed the dotted line.
Some of the most notoriously evil men in history had the brightest
pedigrees. Following blindly is folly, especially if you don’t have personal
experience with the leader. I have nothing against taking information and
suggestions from those that have experience and a proven track record, but
you have to treat it for what it is…..information and suggestions. Learn
and make decisions for yourself.
Luckily I probably will never have the problem of people relying on me as
their oracle, and if any poor soul does I hope they find this post.
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