It’s a familiar scene made even more so by movies and novels: the reading of the last will and testament. The somber family is seated quietly around the table in the law office. The attorney reaches down into his briefcase and pulls out the file. He puts on his glasses, clears his throat and starts slowly reading the wishes of the deceased. Of course, in the back of every mind is the obvious question, “How much did he leave me?” It’s not unnatural or even greedy. It’s pretty normal behavior. Everyone has some vague notion or hope, and then the attorney says, “Your father left a sprinkling trust” and closes…

When we moved to Tyler from New York I had lived for many years away from where I grew up. In fact, after leaving for school I never returned as my parents soon moved as well and their new home in Dallas never really was that for me. Moving around frequently became normal and I had accommodated myself to it. In fact, I had difficulty understanding those who chose for whatever reasons to stay in one place for most of their lives. I would not have called myself a drifter or a loner but I was rootless and unattached. I made friends easily but only temporarily. David Goodhart in his…

One of the most watched events of this century was Nik Wallenda’s tightrope walk across Niagara Falls. In so doing he became the first person to walk over the falls in 116 years and the first ever to walk right over the falls. If you saw it you probably remember the mist-obscured image of his dropping to one knee, fist-pumping, and then running to the end of the rope into the arms of his family. It was an astounding moment of personal victory. I’ve not seen any leadership books so far based on Wallenda’s feat. Why not a best-seller titled “Five Keys to Walking An Organization Across Niagara Falls”? I…

If I were to pick one word to describe my mail from nonprofits in December, it would be URGENT! Every email was intent on reminding me how little time I had left to take advantage of either matching grants, the looming end-of-the-year tax deadlines or a special opportunity that would close by December 31. I don’t blame the organizations for this. It’s hard to get our attention from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, so something has to break through the clutter. As well, end-of-the-year giving has grown so much in importance that a nonprofit would be foolish not to do everything they can to nudge donors that they only have…

  What if the Rich Fool in the parable did not physically die that night but his soul – the very thing that made him human -was repossessed? What might it mean to be soul-less; to be a dead man walking with whatever there was of real life in him gone forever? A damned soul but not yet a dead man? Thank you for joining us this morning for an interview with our special surprise guest, the Rich Fool. INT: Earlier, when we heard it was your last day we quickly put together a program to feature your life and achievements. What a shock to wake up and find you…

“Papa, how old are you?” my young grandson asked. “I’m 73.” “Whoa, and you are not dead yet?” That was pretty much the end of the conversation as he had moved on but it was one more reason to think about this stage of my life.  Some people have what screenwriters call a “story arc” where life moves from a calm beginning, a middle where narrative momentum builds to a peak, and an end where the conflict is resolved. Everything seems to progress along a plot line with one scene leading naturally to the next and at the end of their life we can say it fit together. It was…

Earlier this week Carol and I had dinner with three other couples, and the four men got around to talking about their relationships with their fathers. Last week, I wrote about an issue that occupies the minds of friends young and old. I think this is the same. For some of us it is a complicated and often unresolved issue, and for others it is a source of continuing support and encouragement. That is why I decided to post something from the past today. I hope you don’t mind. Virtually every time I mention my father in a blog people will comment about how interesting he must have been. Some…

Transitions from the founder to the next leader are notoriously difficult. Everyone is at risk in one way or another. Founders are often reluctant to leave as their whole identity is wrapped up in the organization. Successors are unsure of themselves. The people feel caught between loyalty to and affection for the founder and it takes time for them to adjust. Sometimes they don’t and there is a simmering rejection. All of these work against the success of the transition. Of course, some work better than anyone expects. For example, the transition from Moses to Joshua was remarkable. While Joshua was doubtful about himself Moses was doubtful about the people…

Twice each year the Thursday blog is a sampling of photos and quotes. It’s that time again and I hope you enjoy both. “If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.” ― G.K. Chesterton ‍ “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers ‍ “The morals of our people are much better; their manners are more polite and agreeable, they are purer English; our language is better; our taste is better; our persons are handsomer; our spirit is greater, our…

As some of you know, I enjoy taking pictures – and then finding something to say.