The Clash of the Cultures

So, last night, we are sitting in our living group deciding how we are going to move forward as a study group for the second half of the journey.  Pavol, who was raised in the Soviet Union before the split, said we would "force" people to read, present and participate in our group discussions.  I said, "Let's choose another word for 'force.'"  He reiterated he meant force.  I explained that was not going to work.  As he became more and more passionate about his choice of words, I realized that this was an unresolvable issue between Pavol and me.  My life has been all about choices, his has been all about forced compliance.

Starbuck's was one of our cases today for marketing class.  At CFA, we have spent considerable time understanding the strategy of and business model of SB.  We were discussing Starbuck's competition.  As I am the only one in the class that is in food service and one of two in any kind of retail business (everything else is manufacturing and financial services related), I was called on to comment a number of times.  One of the questions was how has food service responded to SB.  I explained that many, such as CFA and McD's had changed their coffee programs to be more competitive with specialty coffees, without the big price tag attached per serving.  I went on to say, that SB's competition is other premium coffee outlets, doughnut shops, quick-service restaurants and even convenience stores like Kwik Trip, explaining a little about their set up. I have told you how difficult this course is on Americans and someone is always taking a shot.  Today, it was the Icelander (pop. 300,000).  He was formerly President of the Bank of Iceland before its recent collapse just months ago.  He speaks up and says, "I would never drink coffee from an American gas station."  He has never even seen a Kwik Trip (do they have cars in Iceland or do they just use snowshoes?) Does somebody have a picture of Kwik Trip's elaborate drink station they can send me??  Given that I have never been to Iceland, it would have been like me saying, I would never go into a bank in Iceland and I have never seen a bank in Iceland or gone to Iceland, for that matter.  And, as of now, don't really have any desire to!

I did get some relief about Peter, however.  Peter sits next to me this week.  He's from Switzerland.  I immediately noticed Peter's neon pink Ipod skin.  Now, I have nothing against men who choose neon pink, but it is an odd choice as I have observed.  Finally, today, Peter said, "my daughter is really going to like this Ipod and pink is her favorite color".  Whew~

Ok, now that we have discussed the most recent culture clashes -- on to what I really learned today.

Tidbits and random thoughts:

Does anyone remember the downfall of the t.v. show "Happy Days?"  It was when Fonzie, dressed in leather jacket on water skiis jumped a pool of sharks.  Hence comes the saying of brands about to fail, "Did you jump the shark?"

"Success is simple.  If man builds a better mouse trap, the world will beat a path to its door."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Alice and Wonderland, the Red Queen said, "You have to run faster, faster and faster just to stay in place."  (Reminds me of my AMP experience, but was used to refer to the sustainability of an organization.)

In sustaining a business, Human Resource management is the hardest practice for a competitor to imitate.  On average, it takes 7 years to replicate someone's HR practices.  My goal is that no one could ever replicate CFA's.

The power of pre-emption:  If you can irreversiably commit yourself so there is no possible retreat, it creates strong disincentives for the competition to challenge it. It makes is a fight for your own organization.  An example of this is the Spanish conquest of Mexico.  In order to eliminate any thought of retreat when landing in Velacruz, Cortes burned his ships!  There was no turning back.

I am really grateful the men in my life wear undershirts.  Enough said.

"It is not the critic who counts:  not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man (or woman) who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again; because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.  But who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumphs of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."  Teddy Roosevelt

Did you know the average life of a water meter that measures with absolute accuracy is 15 years?  Did you know that the CSO (Diamond Broker) in London houses $5 billion of diamonds in a room about the size of Greenbrier III and IV at CFA and it has been that way for 100 years?

Sustainable advantages aren't forever and they are never free.

So, what's important about any of that -- nothing really -- just things that cloud my head and get in the way of the really important, which is:

"Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."  Philippians 4:8

And I intend to do just that, right now~

God bless you all and much love,

Dee Ann

Hip Hop Saved My Life

His t-shirt really said that, and I paused and said to myself, "Self, don't say what you are thinking." However, I thought about the fact that nobody really knows me here and I will never see these people again, and, finally, I just couldn't help myself. And I really needed new blog material. "Jesus saved my life," I said. "Huh?" he said. "Your t-shirt says Hip Hop saved your life. Jesus saved mine," I said. "OK," he says with a roll of his eyes. As I walked off, I said, "and He is very fond of you." Smile :)) Made my point, and it gave me new blog material.

I don't say a lot on this blog about my classmates or the material at HBS out of respect for privacy of them both. But I surely wanted you to know that my days are a lot more about learning than all the peripheral things I share with you. Today, was a great day in class -- the case studies were Apple, Simmons and USA Today and covered the subjects of innovation, strategy and leadership decision making. While the workload is quite challenging, I am really loving this learning opportunity. There is not a day that I lay down at night that I don't think about how much I grew that day, and not just mentally, but spiritually, emotionally and socially as well. God has been so very gracious and faithful to me.

Today, I facilitated our living group through an assessment of our progress thus far. It was the most difficult group I have ever been in that role with, but the success was that much more satisfying. We worked it hard, resolved some issues and put a plan in place to move forward. That was a lot of progress. "Management is getting work done through people. Leadership is getting people done through work."

Thank you, especially today, to Ashley who has taken great care of the boys (even has cooked and taken them to culture enriching events) and to my boys for being so patient while their Mom is away.

It's been a very busy day and as Robert Frost said, "I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep." Thanks for the chat.

Blessings and love to all,

Dee Ann

The $64,000 Question , . .

Should I have worn the mask on the airplane?  If you have been holed a way in a very tiny room, with your head in the books, you might just miss a potential global health crisis.  It sort of plays in the background, but really doesn't get your attention until you are on the plane and people are wearing surgical masks.  At first, you think maybe it's a surgeon's convention, but then I realized there was no way some of those people were surgeons.  So, of course, I worried all the way to Boston, if I, too, should have worn a mask and protected myself from Swine flu.   I had visions of getting sick and having to spend days on end in my tiny cell without anyone to care for me!!  Then I remembered Who is in control and got a grip.

It was 95 degrees in Boston today.  I am serious.  And I feel it is all my fault.  I complained and complained about the weather being so rainy and cold and I prayed for a change, and now the whole city of Boston is convinced there is also a global warning crisis in Boston and I fear it may be my fault.  No fears -- the high tomorrow is 58.  Isn't that the craziest thing you have ever heard?

I had a great weekend at home and was able to see or talk to some of you.  I loved being with Ashley, Trevor and Trey and even Copper and Smokey.  We had a busy, full weekend, but I really enjoyed going to Trevor's Concert Band Performance (see picture).  They did so well and received Superior ratings in every category.  It was so good to be in Atlanta, where I went to places to eat and visit and people know my name.  And they call me hon, baby, sweetheart and darling.  They don't do that in Boston.  In fact, it's probably better if they just don't call you anything at all :)

When I came in this afternoon, my room was about 85 degrees since the air had been off.  While it was cooling off (didn't take long!), I went for a very warm walk (without my rings, Mom).  I saw two young men sitting on a bench along the river and they both had Bibles and seemed to be studying together.  I was so surprised to see it here that I almost said, "Are you reading the Bible?" and then I decided that I had invaded enough people's privacy with the band-aids and I should leave well enough alone.  It did warm my heart and lift my spirits, though.

My week starts tomorrow after the break we have had.  We have class through Saturday, and then I am going to try to dream up something fun to do for Sunday.  I am way behind on my Boston sightseeing.  I am at the half-way mark and headed into finishing well.

Thank you for all the cards -- I received a bunch today -- I really love them, thank you for all your prayers -- I surely feel them and thank you for your encouragement -- it surely lifts me.

Love and Blessings to all~

Dee Ann

What I Love About HBS

This morning as I was walking, I realized there are things I really love about being at HBS:

I love my early morning walks along the river, while the traffic is quite and I can hear God along with the rower's paddles licking of the water.

I love Cambridge -- a place to pick up spare change off the ground, watch interesting people (I mean really interesting), and find a pretty good cup of clam chowder.

I love studying in my room and looking up to see my "encouragement shrine" from all the cards and notes you have sent me (see picture).

I love that there are no cars on campus, but many bicycles.

I love that a really nice lady cleans my room (although it is very neat) everyday and gives me fresh towels and linens. I love that the dry cleaner picks up from and delivers every day right to my bedroom.

I love that somebody else makes the coffee every morning.

I love my classes and getting hear some of the smartest people in the world give lectures.  I love watching the MBA students creating a future for themselves.

I love Baker library inside and out - but the view of it in the sunshine is stunning.

I love the old buildings that display history and the new ones that show progress.  I love that the backside of every building is as pretty as the front.

I love that I can get ready to go anywhere in 30 minutes.  I can reach most anything I need without having to move my whole body :)  And if I do have to move, it's no more than five steps from door to the other side.  I love that my wardrobe is simple.

I love that I have met God here, in times of great loneliness and that He keeps telling me He is all I need.

I love my view, especially on a sunny day.

I love that there are so many viewpoints here about so many things, that I am free to say what I want.  I love that I am surrounded by great intelligence on some many subjects.  I love that I have learned so much.

I love that the cherry blossoms have bloomed -- you said they would Lynn!

And I love that at the end, I can go home -- to the place and people I love.

So that's where I am headed for a few days~

Thanks to all the people who love me  -- I love being so loved by you and I love you!

As the Genie said to Aladdin, "I'm outta here!"

Dee Ann

Going Underground~

Guess what I found out today?  HBS has a large underground network of tunnels going from building to building.  It only took me 4 weeks to find that out and out of that 28 days, it rained 23!  Had I known this, I could have stayed a lot drier!  This weekend is our 4 day break and the weather in Boston is supposed to be 83 degrees - go figure~

Lynn, I am really thankful for those peanut bars and Amy O. and friends, I am grateful for the thin mints!  And would you believe it, but all those international people love sweet tea! And they all want to know when they can get CFA in Switzerland, India, Nigeria, China, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Russia, United Arab Emrites, Egypt, Spain, Greece, Jordan, France, Israel, Kuwait, Italy, Vancouver, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Ireland, etc., etc. etc.  If we can't get chicken to them, maybe we can sell sweet tea to them!

Learning bunches about the world and me.  Today, we had a simulation exercise on climbing Mt. Everest.  I was the team leader and made it to the top and only one of my team didn't make it.  When climbing Mt. Everest, you should not drink beer and talk on the telephone.  

You should have seen the faces of my Living Group tonight when I told them why it is important that the U.S. protect Israel (God's chosen people, etc.).  The funny thing was that they were speechless.  I finally found a way to make them stop talking!

Looking forward to my weekend home.  I will catch you up when I get back.  According to the calendar, it looks like it will be an interesting 4 more weeks~  Then I will have to find another excuse to write on a blog so that I can say all the trivial stuff I want to say to people who really have better things to do.

Much love and many blessings,

Dee Ann

It's All Our Fault!

In coming to HBS, I have learned many things -- some wonderful and some not so great.  One of the things I have come to realize is that most anything that happens is somehow blamed on the U.S. by those who don't live here. Last week it was the global financial crisis -- today it was global warming.  One of the most difficult challenges here has been to defend our country to those who disparage it.

But you know what?  I love the United States of America.  I love the stars and stripes and the purple mountain majesty of the Rockies, the rocky coast of the Pacific and the peaceful sandy shores of the gulf.  I love that is snows in Denver and Vermont and that it doesn't in Miami.  I love that every American over the age of eighteen has the privilege to vote in a democratic society and choose our country's leaders.  I love that we have protected the home of the brave and the free and have used that same power to help others be both brave and free.  I love the men and women I see on my flights that are in camo fatigues headed to unknown deserts so that I can go freely to my job -- one of my own choosing.  I love that In God We Trust is printed on our money.  I love the pledge of allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.  I love that I am free to worship anywhere I choose without fear.  I love our history and I believe that we have hope and a future for generations to come.  

So regardless of what I hear, and wherever this life leads me, I know that I am very fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world and the longest surviving democracy.  God Bless America~

Blessings to all -- and I sure do miss you,

Love,

Dee Ann

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You . . .

I am just finishing my second glass of Chick-fil-A sweet tea following a wonderful Chick-fil-A Day at Harvard. Two Operators, one interim manager and 11 staff members came up to provide the great taste of Chick-fil-A and wow with second mile service for the 165 members of my class, 75% of whom are international.  Thanks to Amy R., Amy O., Lynn C., Todd G., Lance L., Lisa H., Cathy P., Brandon B., Michael L., Will M., Melissa T, Katrina, Juan and Dusty for making me a hero today.  Everyone certainly knows who Chick-fil-A is now.

Most of all, I was so encouraged by their visit.  We enjoyed great seafood and fellowship last night at dinner and it was my favorite day at HBS, yet!  I felt so loved and lifted.

I goofed off a little while my friends were here, so I must get to my studies, but I wanted to share some pictures of the day with you.  It really was a great day.

Missing you all so much,

Love and blessings,

Dee Ann