I have worked for, with and against the old guard.  They were all  ww2 era people who had all been shaped by the great depression, had been married to only one spouse, were tough on their children and were disciplined to a fault –

This is the most recent of them. By far, it may be the most ridiculous of these ‘old man relationships’ – I went into it with full knowledge and kept right on going, being a participant, knowing the routine and how it would end.

July 2009 – December 2010

2 versions of this – This is the printable version

Once upon a time there was a dapper old man who always had a smile for you.  Half the time he was happy and wanted to be engaged in the middle of the next idea, the other half of the time he was an absolutely miserable wretch.  You could see though, he once was a powerhouse.   Too bad his time had come and gone.

He could put a smile on his face but it never lasted long.  He was always on, aggressive and pushing for the next goal.  It was evident to me immediately he could no longer sustain the empire he built.  He had too many dreams, rich desires, good partnerships / poor partnerships.  It’s almost over and he knows it.  It is sad really.

Time and technology and a falling economy blew right by him.

When he was younger he made mistakes but recovered quick, not this time, he had spread it all a little too thin.  His biggest problem now was time and age.  Something no one could help him with.  He fights this alone with dignity, strength and a little anger each and every day.  It was something he admitted to me on a quiet Saturday morning.

He was perfect for his era, a pro-growth time from the time from the end of ww2 until the train wreck of technology, real estate and risk all collided most recently.  He had passion; high expectations and a belief that you can always do better.  It was mostly true.  His methodology was of the old school of power, control and delegation.  He gave you a chance but then raised the bar.  Some jumped higher, some didn’t.  That’s life.

His style worked well with descendants of the depression and the under educated.   It doesn’t work as well now.  He says people are soft and should work harder.  I have told him people are simply smarter and less foolish.  His style is boorish, immature and lonely.  He loves it all one minute and demonizes it the next.  He needs lithium.

I was warned by many to stay away, that never works.  I have a soft spot for the old guys, rich and poor.   They have all helped me a great deal, taught me a great deal.

Wealth makes no difference.   Not interested in his style, but I do love his passion….. his persistence.

Once again, wealth makes no difference.  He is afraid –   He has taught me about managing from fear.  I have learned that having yes men around you, only weakens you, I have learned that kindness and hard work doesn’t pay off with fear, I have learned that respect never is appreciated when it is managed by fear, I have learned that fear based generosity has a price and fear is permanently disabling.

I do not want to be so disliked nor powerful, nor rich if I have to operate from fear.

Thank You  –