At the time I did not realize, my mother was a wonderful leader. She never officially assumed the roll, nor attempted to usurp my father. Yet through her insight, example and support the family accomplished her aims, and were all far better for the experience.

Many years ago, I subscribed to the theory that there was a "cycle of business." A busy time and slower times. Whenever business would slow down, I "knew" it was the cycle, and not anything I had done. This was comforting, but somehow left me with a problem. 

Lucien certainly provided an inspiration to me, though he may have never known. I think in managing a business it may be helpful to consider who may be watching and what message one might wish to convey. 

When we do things for others, most people expect some sort of recognition. Payment, a thank you, maybe a future favor. This may simply be human nature, an unwritten rule of reciprocity. As long as the give/take remains balanced there is seldom a problem. Problems sometimes develop over time when either or both parties fail to understand fully. 

This may sound a bit archaic, the thought that work can be enjoyable. Clearly, in our society, work is that which we do to earn enough so that we no longer have to do it. Often we work so that we can retire and no longer have to work. The thought of work as enjoyment for most is quite strange. 

Once upon a time there was an industry that produced toasted bread for clients. The clients would come in and tell the Serving Administrator (SA) how they would like their toast. The SA would write the order and send it to Staff, Heating, Operations and Preparations (SHOP). 

Many, many years ago, and far, far away, there was an ogre named Dummkopf. Dummkopf owned a carriage repair shop. The shop had been fairly busy in the past, but the kingdom was in the midst of a recession and now business was off. Dummkopf knew it was not his fault, but he just barely making a living . . .