Curiosity

This is borrowed from an interview with Tiger Tyagarajan, CEO of Genpact. (Numbering as added by me)

Question: What are you looking for? (In regards to hiring but this applies to all things)

Answer: "The single biggest quality I look for is the ability and desire to learn. Are you a really curious person? If you are, then you learn. If you're not, then you won't learn.

And curiosity opens up so many other windows.

1. You're more inclusive.

2. You question more.

3. You listen.

"In today's world, if you're not curious, you're dead, because every day is so different from yesterday. In an interview, I want to know whether you are willing to exhibit all the qualities to learn, and are you willing to spend the blood, sweat and tears to learn? How important is that for you? Some me some examples of that.

"One thing that comes with curiosity is sheer passion, and that can neutralize many other shortcomings. You make make a lot of mistakes. You may end up going down the wrong paths. You make have to make decisions that are based on not enough information. How are you going to convince people to follow you? If you don't have passion, you're not going to be convinced yourself, and if you don't wear that on your sleeve, how are other people going to be charged up to go in that direction?

"They actually depend on what you're telling them, because they may not also have all the answers. And hard work and persistence have to start with passion, because if you don't love what you do, it's not going to work."

The N Y Sunday Times, Corner Office, Business Section, 7/13/14

Demonstrations

Demonstrations have a place in society; some have a place in demonstrations. But the greatest demonstration is that of love for one another, esp. to those deemed unwanted by society.

Generous Giving

I have a guilty pleasure. I like to watch Million Dollar Listing New York. In my previous life I was a salesperson, and for the 38 years I've been a pastor I have been a salesperson of the most wonderful and awesome "product" the world has ever seen and needed; a loving and trusting relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I like to keep keen my sales instincts and this show provides a little of that. True, they make way more money than 85% of our churches in one sale. The "they" I'm speaking about are the three main characters of the show. Fredik Eklund, Luis Ortiz, and Ryan Serhant. Fredik is from Sweden and makes the most money. Luis is from Puerto Rico and is the youngest cast member and realtor in the show. Ryan is from the Midwest and does okay for himself. They seek to set records in the sales of the properties they list, and they usually do. They know how to present a sale and how to say and do the right things to bring about a sale.

Long story short: The last show of the season was a behind the scenes look at video that did not make it on the show. And part of that was when the three decided what to do with their money. Fredik, in talking with his assistant, said he wanted to help a charity. He did this while eating sushi and his assistant told him he should give up sushi. Fredik asked how much the meal was worth that he was eating. Fifty dollars, replied the assistant. "Fifty dollars? For this?" asked Fredik, "How much is that a year?" The assistant in doing math in his head, estimated it was about $20,000 per year for one meal. "Well, cut a check for $20,000 for that gift I want to make!"

Luis, after having made a huge commission on an apartment he sold, in talking with the camera said he wanted to reward himself. Next, we see him in the studio of a famous New York artist who sells huge paintings of different things. Given Luis' Latino background, the artist suggested a painting of a matador. The price? $85,000. Luis talked him down to $65,000 and walked off with it.

Ryan ordered a telescoping iPhone holder so he could take selfies of himself without it seeming like he was doing it himself.

A sharp contrast in personalities and gifts. Which of these was truly the most generous? You decide. Which gift was sacrificial? Again, you decide. Which, Jesus asked, gave of himself and all that he had?