I feel a little bit like Al Gore … I invented the Beer Summit. Actually, I am Irish, so I am sure I stole it from an ancestor or 2, and the genes are predisposed to finding such an event to my liking. And, I think Guinness is Mother’s milk. It is my preferred meeting place, and often necessary when challenging discussions are to take place, or some levity is needed to break the ice.

But the Beer Summit does have an aspect called the “Teachable Moment”. I think that is an important concept to consider here, in our industry, right now. This industry, maybe like others, has the ever presence of massive egos. Honestly, I know I do. Maybe we can all take some time for a teachable moment, we have so much work to do within our business and together within our industry.

Here’s another concept, called the Radio Dial Concept. Think of a cars tachometer. Measure RPM’s. for the visual sake of the argument, let’s say it is a semi circle, one to 10. Round about 7, it starts to redline into a danger zone … warning warning, she’s a gonna blow!

Now, think about your greatest strength … mine is aggressive, assertive tenacity. Tremendous strength, has served me so well in converting activity into achievement. Couldn’t have done the things I have done without it, can’t imagine me without it. However, my greatest strength is also my greatest weakness … Radio Dial Concept. When I am humming along at 6 or 7, I am un freakin stoppable! Hit 7 and wagon wheels start coming off. I take my foot, only because my head is too bloody, and crash through the door. Only to find, ooops, wrong door, or with a little patience, I was about the get handed a key and invited in.

So, you are patient and thoughtful … but you did not act! Thorough and great analytical skills … you get bogged in the details. You have tremendous technical skills yet sometimes cannot see the forest for the trees. Put yourself on the Radio Dial Concept, find that Red Zone, and avoid it.

An ego is a wonderful thing … makes us who we are and often is the genesis of great things … but not in the RED ZONE. Just a friendly suggestion try and keep it in check.

I need to work hard to develop relationships, and improve the ones I have.

Feel so strongly on a topic … then perhaps we could act like Mother Theresa. No way could you get her to an anti war demonstration … but sign here up for a Peace March! Use your ego, find the positive.

And, let’s all have a Beer Summit separately together. Next time you raise your glass, Beer, NA Beer, Wine, Milk or my second favorite beverage … water … take the opportunity to put your ego in check and see if we can’t all find the Peace March.

Bottoms up! Slainte (That’s Irish for Cheers)

“Can’t we all just get along” Rodney King