A Varied Assortment

   In this Baker’s Dozen (the second in a series) I reflect on the diversity I’ve experience in people across this nation. Diversity is a word often bandied about by businesses at conferences, symposiums and training sessions. The thought is, if we surround ourselves with people different from us - the company will hold a more successful footing on the precipice of success. While I am appreciative of these efforts, I look around and see (there’s that word again) that we are all different and everyone has an amazing story our blinders don’t allow us to grasp. When all these facets come together – the effects on success are multiplied exponentially. 

   I had the amazing privilege to visit regions all over this great country as I called on project sites for my employer. It was the true perk of the position. I discovered what it meant to be, or not to be, a “townee” – How “Chili” ranged from no beans to beans to spaghetti – How the same word held extremely different constructs within 200 miles distance. However, smiles were the same (mostly), malls were the same and respect is valued and cherished. And yet somehow being so different, we are all connected (another one of my top five in Gallup’s StrengthsFinder? survey). 

   As I write this, today is Peace Officers Day. Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day. A week from Monday is Memorial Day. Two half staffs and a full fly. I originally posted this on President’s Day with a picture of a Flag, a rainbow and a sunny day. I found this picture I took in Harrisburg – I like it better.

    I was thinking of the Selma March. People want to be heard. I am always working on my listening skills. Maybe, a hearing aid would be a good purchase!

   We’ve all rushed past those “ART” installations at the airport. I’ve seen 3rd grade ceramic projects, art school expositions, airport workers hobbies and museum exhibits. I was headed to MIA North Terminal where the Miami-Dade Aviation Department Miami International Airport Division of Fine Arts & Cultural Affairs presented - Air Chair by Artist Paul Villinski. I just had to check it out! It brought to mind a quote by Joseph M. Juran, "A project is a problem scheduled for solution."

   At the Kennedy Space Center the Titan II stands at 103’ – The Juno II stands at 78.7’ – The Mercury-Atlas stands at 94.3’. The Mercury Atlas is both shorter and taller – duality exists. A paradox.

   I was never aware of the 1935 cat in a box with radiation paradox experiment by Erwin Schr?dinger until I saw it on a sitcom. A paradox. Now my strange mind wants to paraphrase (badly) Chico Marx in The Coconuts – “Alright! Why a pair a ducks? Why that...pair a ducks? Why a no pair a chickens?”

    People are diverse, so they make dissimilar choices all the time. I don’t know which choice is “right” – I only know which is right for me.

    A few years back, I was on a project in Salem Oregon. Once a week I would have lunch at J's Teriyaki. The proprietor would often return my change as Origami. Not only was that different, but a unique sense of Branding. I’ve had these examples of Business Casual/Business Dress on my desk ever since.

    Frank Zappa has been credited with the quote, “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open.”

   There are so many different people who have influenced the present state of me.

My Father modeled integrity.

My Mother shines with creativity.

My Grandchildren light up a room with their smiles.

    Remember what it felt like when you were a kid and the caboose finally went by? It was great. Sometimes the brakeman would even wave to us! The Caboose was a non-revenue piece of equipment, but it left the most lasting positive impression.

   In The Gospel According to Peanuts, Charles Schulz had Charlie Brown comment on the state of Linus’ shoe shine. They were shiny at the front, but scuffed at the rear. Linus commented, “I care about what people think of me when I enter a room. I don't care what they think when I leave.”

   Interior Designer Kay Anderson Sorgenfrei told me this idea years ago for a triptych. The first screen was two segregated fountains. The second screen was new fountain, but the wall paint still reflected the past. The third screen was different race kids drinking from the new fountain and there was no indication of the past transgressions.

     Years ago, the company I worked for presented each manager with a Cotter Pin embedded inside a clear resin casting to express the importance of the individual to the organization. It was an expense that held intrinsic value at best. Yet, it still comes to mind 14 years later.

    Ch’an Buddhism describes existence and non-existence working together as a wisteria vine twining around a tree. We waited 9 years to see the blooms. Just sayin’

   Nanci Besser’s Pulse post Responding In "Kind" May 12, 2015 really got me thinking.

   I reflected how W. Somerset Maugham wrote about the move from intention to action in The Razor's Edge. Protagonist Larry Darrell developed his intent while loafing around. Along his journey, he met a rich man washing dishes in the river. He asked why someone would wash dishes when they could go up the river and find a spiritual awakening. The man replied, “This is my religion.”

   When I saw this scenario played out on the screen (via Bill Murray), I thought the simple act was the man’s religion. I later came to understand how taking the next step with intention in place truly continues the journey of a thousand miles.

   At the 2014 Apprentice Graduation for the PSNS-IMF Captain Steve Williamson, USN told the auditorium something that stuck with me. He said, “Every Morning after you get up, make your bed – no matter how your day goes, you’ll come home to your first accomplishment of the day.” (I paraphrase)

   The philosophy of natural progression teaches, “When you are done with breakfast – You do the dishes.”

   The final slide in this Baker’s Dozen is whimsical at best. This a black and white macro photograph of a child’s model (ok, it was mine) from the late 70’s TV series Battlestar Galactica. The model is superimposed on a full color fireworks display during a live performance of Disney’s Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

You can view my profile and contact information at

LinkedIn.com/pub/stephen-byron-pmp/96/3/627/en