From Boardroom to Backyard: A Walk with Stephen Schwartz in Cincinnati
After a recent Board meeting, Stephen Schwartz and I took a Dialogue Miles™ walk in French Park, in Cincinnati OH.
We walked about 5 miles and stopped by Steve’s childhood home where we climbed through the brush to get a glimpse of the backyard he played in as a kid. He described the joy of living in that neighborhood, from bottle rockets and sledding to running track. After the walk, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Steve and Felice at their home.
About a decade ago Steve asked me to join the Board of LION, which has been a true honor. During this period I became exposed to countless examples of what a purpose-driven company can achieve.
Lion’s Purpose is to ensure first responders and military personnel are ready for action. Their Mission: Each and every day we fulfill the personal safety, readiness, and identity needs of our customers worldwide.
A Few Takeaways
Walk the Ideas Out
We should walk with business associates as CEOs to ponder and discuss ideas more often.Change the Environment
The act of walking and talking is a very different experience than just sitting across a table from someone. It can be easier to have more time to ponder and process thoughts while walking and talking which is very comfortable to me.Thought Partners Matter
Steve and I are good thought partners because of our curiosity about what we observe or hear, and how we deliver our answers that are not threatening or condescending. It's so important to have thought partners in all phases of your life.See the Full Person
Knowing people in the office is a lot different than seeing a person through the lens of their life journey.Personal Context Adds Meaning
A great reward is when you know someone professionally and then you see their personal life. It is amazingly additive.
