Paul is my barber. I'm his first customer on Monday morning every three weeks at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Because I don't have much hair on top, the sessions rarely last more than 15 or 20 minutes. But the experience is one I look forward to with anticipation. And what I learn is invaluable. Because Paul is one of the shrewdest management consultants I know. Yet, he has no idea how sound his management techniques are. Or how rare. Paul is a high school graduate. He says he reads a lot. He asks a lot of questions. He's a guy who loves to talk. But the man has uncanny common sense and the uncommon talent of articulating his thoughts with the quiet sincerity of a humble apologist. It's obvious that his four employees like their boss. But what is even more obvious is that they respect him. Now, I don't take notes while I'm chatting with Paul. So what I recall him saying may have a bit of my spin on it. But what is important is that it makes good sense. At least it does to me. See if you agree:
Sal F. Marino is chairman emeritus of Penton Media Inc., author of the recently published Management Rhymes and Reason, and an IW contributing editor. His e-mail address is [email protected].