Mind Your Own Business

A Maverick’s Guide to Business, Leadership and Life

Doubleday & Company, Inc., 2003

ISBN 0-385-50959-6

208 pages

A maverick is an independent person who will not go along with other members of a group (Oxford ESL Dictionary). This book provides priceless stories and insights from a maverick of business world; an exemplary business leader who prefers not to follow orthodox beliefs in business, nor be eaten by hyped up ideas of present. Instead, he chooses course of action that is appropriate for changing times.

The Maverick’s Way: New Old Thing

What is effective? This is question answered by maverick. He reconciles good things from both Old and New times, and focuses on what is really effective in confronting challenges of 21st century business dealings.

A maverick thinks outside of bed, knows that it pays to be daring, does not allow technology to tyrannize, finds strength in diversity, maintains balance and harmony among people, sets leadership by example, has a strong ethical base, and values employees and customers. A maverick knows his customers and believes strongly in his products.

To a maverick, a company is a not just a big candy store. It is a living instrument with living human beings. It should have a HEART.

Keys to Leadership

The leader leads. He exercises critical judgment, which will have a great impact on his people.

The leader defines company. The leader’s responsibility is to explicitly present and advocate company’s purposes and goals.

The leader inspires. He gives sense and meaning to job. He makes his people realize, that beyond profit there is an underlying meaning, value, and deeper reason for work they do.

The leader should be evangelist. He should be able to exercise his influence, to sell values of ethical conduct.

The leader must see company as a coherent whole. He should be aware of diversity in company and bring this together to promote whole.

The leader must know that there is no better way to create a family in workplace than to encourage family at home. Harman International introduced anti-domestic violence program in company, which reinforces idea that company cares.

The leader should never underestimate value of disciplined hard work.

Perhaps more dangerous than notorious Internet rapists and murderers are Cyber Lotharios. Maybe you know one. Smooth as silk. Seduction is his native language.

More dangerous, because these guys (well, maybe there are girls too, but I am more familiar with guys) are GOOD.

These guys are Internet equivalent of a Bill Clinton, if Bill Clinton hadn't gotten caught. They are cyber version of handsome -- they write beautifully, know just what you want to hear and tell you. They POUR it on, and for a thirsty woman, it is nectar from Gods.

These fellows post on dating sites indefinitely, waiting for unsuspecting newbie to dating site. You might contact him, he might contact you, but like a used car salesman, he knows a pigeon when he sees one.

Then slowly, softly, but determinably, he has his way with you.

How do you tell if you have one of these guys on wire? What if he is a really nice guy, really meaning every word he says?

Well, one thing would be if you find yourself agreeing to things that you never would if you were in your right mind. Particularly if that has to do with sex. Or maybe money.