Blogs vs. Books
Blogs come in all shapes and sizes. For different purposes, with different perspectives. Most, like mine, are not that exceptional, and stand lightly in their place. Others try to pontificate and stand firmly. Books vary is similar ways.
The difference is that books have conclusions, and they have arcs or themes played out and resolved. Or at least illuminated. At the end of the book, you can look back and see what the author was trying to communicate.
One of my favorite authors is Mark Twain. Huckleberry Finn was a masterpiece because he knew the power of a story to elicit an emotional response to a lesson of the truths of life. No one at the time would have stood to read a non-fiction book denouncing slavery and raising negros to the status of human. The story did what no speech or pontificating could do because it could attract an audience, and then trick them into learning a lesson.
Integrity?
All this to explain my reaction and realizations when encountering the final regular post at BigPictureSmallOffice.com. The final post is a version of Big Picture Guy’s (BPG’s) retirement speech, where he gives up the theme of his blog since February 2005: integrity.
Who would subscribe to a blog about integrity, especially how it relates to business? Not many. But a blog that anonymously dishes out the dirt from a corporate office and its cartoonish, yet human, denizens? That’s fun and interesting, great reading and worth subscribing.
So all this time, I’ve been reading BPG’s posts only partly understanding this. He’s shown the humanity of big business, and the big and small decisions required by those who lead (and those who stand in the way). Things not often seen or held up for inspection. Often the problems he uncovered were not black or white, but a very middle shade of gray. In those cases he never gave the solution, but only his thoughts and emotions.
One of the best
BPSO is written like a book, with characters, themes, and now, a conclusion. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his skillful writing and keen eye. Easily the best written blog I’ve subscribed to, and I mourn its conclusion.
More than that, I’ve found BPG a mentor. He’s made me realize that my ability as a manager will not necessarily be measured by my productivity, but by my decision-making skills. The comments he’s left here for me at B2Blog are treasured encouragements.
Speaking of encouragement, here is a bit of his final post, With All Due Respect:
“…Erich Fromm, the renowned social psychologist and humanist, wrote: Integrity simply means a willingness not to violate one’s identity. That goes for companies as well as for people.
…Be who you are. Respect what you are. Invest continuously in what you wish to be.
Open your eyes. Open your hearts. Understand these few things.”
Please read
BPG boldly suggests re-reading his blog from the beginning. He is right, though. It is worth re-reading, just like Huckleberry Finn. Even those few words quoted here are worth re-reading. Go ahead and read a few chapters…maybe I should entice you with this post about a situation his marketing manager was in, titled Running the Gauntlet.
Again, thank you, and congratulations, Big Picture Guy. Well done!
Wow! What a wonderful retirement present. I have had my share of accolades and censures over the years. (My favorite compliment to date came from one reader who referred to me as a cross between Stanley Bing and a certain bespoke Saville Row tailor. That one kept me going for months.) But, I have to say, being placed in the same company as Mark Twain is a tribute no one can take lightly. As it happens, Huck Finn is one of my all-time favorite literary characters. His coming of age story makes its point by showing not telling, by building on a friendship that was neither easy nor obvious, by demonstrating how a boy with a man’s integrity can make a difference, if only to one small life. I am most gratified that the underlying theme of Big Picture, Small Office has finally managed to bubble up to the surface. I was not sure that even my final missive (missile?), as pointed as it was, would hit home. The response, as it happened, was fantastic…well beyond my expectations. Dave, I thank you for this post. I am grateful for your insight, grateful for your contributions over the past few years, grateful for your company. (The Small Office, after all, could be a lonely place.) I wish you success in all your endeavors, success that I know will be assured if you continue to stay true to yourself. I promise to keep watch.Yours most sincerely, BPG
Wow! What a wonderful retirement present. I have had my share of accolades and censures over the years. (My favorite compliment to date came from one reader who referred to me as a cross between Stanley Bing and a certain bespoke Saville Row tailor. That one kept me going for months.) But, I have to say, being placed in the same company as Mark Twain is a tribute no one can take lightly. As it happens, Huck Finn is one of my all-time favorite literary characters. His coming of age story makes its point by showing not telling, by building on a friendship that was neither easy nor obvious, by demonstrating how a boy with a man’s integrity can make a difference, if only to one small life. I am most gratified that the underlying theme of Big Picture, Small Office has finally managed to bubble up to the surface. I was not sure that even my final missive (missile?), as pointed as it was, would hit home. The response, as it happened, was fantastic…well beyond my expectations. Dave, I thank you for this post. I am grateful for your insight, grateful for your contributions over the past few years, grateful for your company. (The Small Office, after all, could be a lonely place.) I wish you success in all your endeavors, success that I know will be assured if you continue to stay true to yourself. I promise to keep watch.Yours most sincerely, BPG