Business Lessons from My Dad
June 13, 2008
Sure, we've all had role models in our lives—and most likely multiple ones at different life stages. But whether those role models were teachers, coaches or even movie stars, none can compare to good ol' dad when it comes to passing down the knowledge of business.
By Jeff Schmitt
For Robert C. Schmitt
Growing up, my dad and I played basketball. These were the best and worst of times. My dad was never stingy with kind words or coaching nuggets, but I still resented him sometimes. He had a poise and court savvy I simply didn’t possess.
It was always a different game when dad and I played. There would be push-offs and the occasional forearm. His verbal zingers wreaked havoc on my self-confidence. I was victimized by every conceivable variation of the pick-and-roll. I felt lost on the court, like a checkerboard whiz deciphering his first chess set. Basketball was the perfect metaphor for my awkward transition into adulthood.
Looking back, I realize my dad was trying to teach me some valuable lessons. He wanted to shake me out of my comfort zone. In the real world, shots are contested and fouls aren't always called. Chemistry and execution trump talent. The basketball court—like the workplace—exposes every weakness. Whether you have poor lateral movement or a penchant for procrastination, the opposition quickly sizes you up and takes advantage.
When I reflect on my dad, I'm awed by how he conducts business. He possesses a patience and self-control that takes a lifetime to master. As his career enters its twilight, I'm realizing how different dad truly is. In particular, my dad exemplifies the following:
Integrity: In dad's world, there is little ambiguity. He believes in a right way and a wrong way to do business. Once you smudge the line separating the two, you can never go back. That choice just makes it easier to cut corners and rationalize away the consequences. In the big picture, dad believed it is always better to concede customers than acquire them by dubious means.
Excellence: Dad never accepts mediocrity in himself. Instead, he always strives to do his very best, whether it was in management, sales or teaching. He dedicates himself to any challenge and never lets up. Dad truly understands there is a price for excellence and he pays it with his time, sweat and talent.
Confidence: As a boy, my dad honed his confidence on the basketball court. He believed games were won or lost before the clock started. It was discipline, repetition and an innate belief in yourself and your teammates that dictated the ultimate result. His work life has been no different. Whether he was orchestrating an offense or closing a deal, Dad always expected to win—and he usually did.
Leadership: Dad views himself as the tip of the spear. He has never been afraid to step up and lead—or fail on occasion. He also recognizes the value of role players—the people who provide direction and velocity to the tip—and has never been above serving in that function.
Flexibility: In management, dad had to balance the needs of various constituencies. This taught him to listen, empathize and evaluate. Whether he was refereeing a union grievance or dispute between my sisters, dad was a master politician. He reserves judgment, pinpoints underlying concerns and builds consensus. Dad always leaves everyone feeling like he is their advocate. To my dad, compromise is not a sign of weakness. It is a tool to build goodwill and minimize distractions from the bigger picture.
Sense of Humor: Despite his competitive nature, dad never dwells on setbacks. He understands there is absurdity in any business. From childish corporate politics to a well-laid plan gone awry, Dad can find humor in any situation. He knows what is truly important to him—God and family—and doesn't sweat what he can't control.
Salesmanship: Dad never had to study consultative selling. Asking questions and learning about people was imprinted in his DNA. He sees little value in applying pressure or selling something that has limited value. He simply lays out the facts and gives people the space to make their own decisions. Dad also recognizes that closing a sale is only a first step. That’s why he prides himself on following up with customers regularly and anticipating their lon-term needs.
Openness: Dad was blessed with strong role models and confidants when he entered the workforce. They helped him understand corporate culture and steer around the egos, hidden agendas and petty grievances that sink many young careers. In return, Dad believes he has a duty to share this same wisdom with those who seek it from him.
Basketball is like jazz, a learned improvisation. The great ones make it look natural. The audience rarely sees the sacrifices and steely discipline that molds raw talent into true distinction. I've been so fortunate to watch one such virtuoso—and apply his hard-earned lessons to my own life.
Happy Father's Day, to all the dads out there.
Jeff Schmitt is a freelance writer and consultant. His -mail is jschmittdbq@mchsi.com. This article originally appeared in The Tri-State Business Times, a monthly business magazine published by Woodward Communications (www.wcinet.com). It has been edited for length and style.
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