Werner was a talented young man. Not so much book smart, definitely street smart. His talent was understanding people. Their fears, desires and prejudices. This talent was displayed on the streets in small towns and villages surrounding Vienna in the late 1920's and early 1930's, as Werner bought and sold goods as his means to earn a living. Werner's family was Jewish, however they were not observant. At the time, many Jews thought of themselves as Austrian and not as a separate people. In fact, those Jews that were obvious and didn't pass were looked down upon by many of their own culture.
Around this time, an angry man was stirring up dissatisfaction in Austria. He and his men in brown shirts would go from town to town to spread their hatred and anger to those persons susceptible to such words. A proud people that were being marginalized by war reparations imposed upon them by the victors of WWI. Their hatred was vile, however it struck a chord with common folk that saw their once profitable businesses and farms being destroyed by hyperinflation and lack of financial support by the banking community.
Werner happened to witness one of the speeches and was amazed at the unprofessional and unpolished orator of the hate. He turned to a man next to him, in a brown shirt, and started to critique the style and tempo of the oration. He commented on the disjointed thoughts and lack of coherence of the speech. The man in the brown shirt listened, observed the crowd slowly dispersing during the speech and asked Werner if he would meet with the orator after he was done. Although Werner was slightly taken aback by some of the rhetoric, he agreed to meet with the angry little man giving the speech.
Over some schnapps and beer, Werner repeated his comments regarding the previously given speech. He suggested some improvements that might benefit this little man and assist him in his quest to manipulate his audience to his viewpoints. It was then agreed, that Werner would become the speech writer for this angry little man. Werner would be compensated for his time and would receive bonuses according to the increase in the crowds and favourable response.
In 1993 I was fortunate to embark upon an adventure that would shape my view of business and how North American and foreign cultures transacted negotiations. I went to Kazakstan to negotiate oil and gas contracts with the recently formed CIS Kazak government, on behalf of a small, but well funded corporation. Although I had never worked overseas, my talent for negotiating was recognized by the president of this corporation. I'm sure he thought this would be a one time trip and I would then be relegated back to negotiating oil and gas agreements in Western Canada, but his high priced consultants had been unsuccessful for 3 months already and he was willing to try something different. My family background was Russian and many of the persons in power were ethnic Russians, a hold over from the Soviet regime. From the moment I was there, I just knew what to say, when to say it and who to say it to. Call it instinct, call it arrogance, call it "talent", call it dumb luck - whatever "it" was I had "it". After 6 months of long drawn out negotiations that took place in Almaty, Atyrau, Uralsk and Aktau in Kazakstan; Istanbul, Brussels and London in Europe - the company I worked for was ready to pull the plug on negotiations for a deal with the Kazaks. It was just after January 1, 1994 that I sat down with the president and gave the most outrageous promise of my life. I asked him to give me one more chance to get a deal. This time we would do it my way only. I didn't want anyone to come with me. I would only return to Kazakstan with my translator. We wouldn't show up with the 20 people normally acting on behalf of the corporation. No lawyers, no accountants, no economists or engineers. Only two "goofs" with a time limit and credibility with the Kazaks from many nights of vodka and cigarettes. The president agreed, only because I was so outrageous in "promising" him that we would get the deal. I believe to this day that my strategy was correct. By showing the Kazaks that our company was ready to walk if a deal was not forthcoming on this "last" trip, they had gotten the message that there were no other concessions to be conceded by our company. Within one day of returning to Almaty, we had a deal. The call back to the head office was awkward. The president didn't believe me when I told him our good news. After sending copies of the final agreement to our head office to be reviewed by the "smart" guys, we had the go ahead to sign final documentation. This official signing was an elaborate affair held in the Prime Ministers main conference room. To say I was way over my head is an understatement. I was signing a formal document next to the second most powerful man in the Kazak government. I looked down at my hand as I signed the agreement and was curious as to why my hand was not shaking. My hand shook most times, but not then, not that time.
Werner worked with the angry little man on the content of his speech, the context of his main points and the tempo of his speech. He taught the angry little man to start slowly at first, almost shy and awkward. This would get the crowd to quiet down and almost root for this angry little man to get through his speech without making too many errors. Then the tempo would slowly build and the man's voice would become louder. People positioned in the crowd would start yelling in response to points being made. The people around these shills would also start to respond, creating a frenzy. The little man would then get totally out of control yelling and spitting his vile rhetoric. Banging his hand on tables, gesturing wildly with his arms. He would blame this group and that group for all of the crowd's ills. It was "their" fault and "their" manipulations and "their" secretive ways. Jews, Catholics, gypsies, gays - they were the cause of this decline in the people in the crowd. He was working them into a frenzy, as Werner had told him it would. And then Werner gave him the cue. The angry little man just stopped. He stood looking out at the crowd, arrogant and looking into the women's eyes. The crowd continued their frenzy as he watched and nodded his head, strutted around the stage and basked in the response he created with the help of Werner.
Werner made much wealth as the angry little man progressed in politics. Werner lived in a most comfortable fashion. But then, things started to change. He was asked to start wearing a yellow star. No disrespect, just a new "rule". He was still being financially rewarded by the angry little man, a man who's "power" far exceeded his stature. Soon he was asked to leave his home for the ghetto. No disrespect, just a new "rule". He was able to buy "stuff" on the black market with his savings, but the compensation was no longer coming from the angry little man. The next day he was rounded up with others in his community and sent by train to a "work camp".
By 1995 I was the Vice President of the company and the Director General of the Joint Venture Corporation in Kazakstan. My responsibilities were mostly political consultations, administration and expat functions. My title had now become who I was. I was no longer that landman negotiating surface access from a farmer, no longer taking mineral leases from 6 am to 12 midnight, no longer negotiating with other companies for joint venture agreements. Now I was talking with ambassadors, meeting with the IMF and World Bank. Traveling first class. Oh yeah, life was "smokin". That is with the exception that I never saw my children from my first marriage. Was losing my second wife through my indiscretions and lack of time spent on our marriage. Basically my personal life was shit, but I was really, really, really important - in my own mind.
And then things started to change. There were new "rules". My authority was being limited, my representation of the corporation was being controlled and restricted. Then one day they stopped paying the Kazak nationals that we had employed. It was around Christmas 1995 and I was informed that all pay to our employees was to stop from this point forward. I was arrogant, self absorbed and egotistical - but I knew what was right and what was wrong. So I went to the ABM-Amro bank where we had our emergency funds for the corporation and withdrew the monies that were in there. My wife and I flew to our office in Uralsk (after paying the employees in Almaty) and made sure that all employees received their pay and bonuses that were owed them. By the time we were in Uralsk my company credit cards had been cancelled and all we had were two plane tickets to Moscow and a few thousand dollars. No translator, no help and in we were in effing Moscow. No easy way back to our home. To say I was a little angry would be an understatement. But, Brenda and I are resourceful and when our backs are against the wall we rise to the challenge. We may have been pissed at each other for our behaviour the past year leading up to this moment. But, we were even more pissed at the persons that tried to "teach us a lesson". They tried to control the wrong people. Armed with a russian/english dictionary, our own credit card with limited credit, a few thousand cash and a united front. We got through customs, took a taxi from the domestic airport to the international airport to arrange our flight back to Canada, found a hotel, had a shower, slept, went to McDonald's, traveled the subway system, went to a large bazaar (flea market) and finally flew back home by Christmas. This may sound easy - but consider that I spoke russian like a three year old when I left Kazakstan, greatly improved my russian under extreme pressure to deal with customs (we had no visa for our stay in Russia, which was usually handled by someone else - someone who actually spoke Russian) and Brenda was in extreme culture shock. That is, until we got to the flea market - where I found out that shopping is the universal language that Brenda was a master at and I had no talent for. We made it home together and committed to rebuild our life together.
Werner kept telling the authorities that he was Hitler's speech writer, they laughed at this man with a yellow star on his clothes. Werner could not believe that after all he done, for his help and guidance, that he was being shipped like all the others to an uncertain future.
Werner survived the Holocost with his street smarts and a renewed faith in his God. He spoke only to his family of his experience and left them with many lessons from what life had taught him.
His greatest lesson for his children was to always use your talents for something you believe in, something that had values attached to its value and always know that what has been given can be taken away.
Today's Blog is dedicated to values and gratitude.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Real Conversations
I think I was 4 or 5 years old at the time. I had, what we would now call a nanny. The woman that looked after me was a poor, black woman. Her name was Matty, at least that's what I remember calling her. We were looking out of the living room window of my family home and a man was walking in front of our house. I turned to Matty and said, "Matty, that man is burnt". Matty stroked the hair on my head and said, "No honey, that man ain't burnt. That man is colored." Back then in the late 50's and early 60's, African-Americans were either called Negroes or Colored people. That is, they were called that in polite society. It was the first time in my short life and in the time that Matty looked after me, that I even recognized that Matty was different than me. You see, at that age - I always looked into her eyes or just felt her presence. Matty was love to me. No skin color or facial features, no fear or anxiety - just love. That was my first real conversation. A conversation that I remember to this day, as if it happened yesterday.
I was working on an oil rig in my early 20's and some guy drove on the rig site and was being disrespectful to one of my co-workers and myself. My co-worker was a farmer and was trying to make some money on the rigs, in order to keep his farm. He must have been in his late 30's or early 40's. A gentleman at all times, respectful and always willing to help us young guys when we were unsure what to do around the rig site. This nice and respectful man turned to the guy who was being disrespectful and just snapped. I don't think I had ever seen someone so angry in my life. He walked over to the disrespectful guy, with a hammer in his hand. My co-worker pointed the hammer at the guy and told him to "shut the fuck up and get off the lease site". The guy in the vehicle was taken aback, turned his vehicle around and left the site. I don't know who he was, don't know why he was there - but, I do know that whatever reason he was there, was not reason enough to stay there. My co-worker came back to where we working and got back to work as if nothing happened. It was about break time and we sat down for a minute. I asked him what that was all about. He was quiet for a bit and then smiled at me and said, "I treat people the same way they treat me. I put up with some bull shit from people I work for, but that guy has been on my ass for awhile. Thinks he is better than me because he has a title and business card. I don't have to take that disrespect from any man". My life to that point was trying to get along, not to create any disharmony where ever I worked, more of a yes sir or no sir kind of guy. That day opened my eyes to a new view of work. A view that a person could work hard, be respectful, be kind and helpful to those he worked with - but, never accept any disrespect from someone in the workplace again. That was a real conversation, one that I remember to this day, as if it was yesterday.
My mother lay in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Tubes and needles sticking in and out of her. She was unable to talk, she had a large tube down her throat so she could breath. Two weeks prior, she was admitted to the hospital for anemia and now she was going to die of cancer very soon. As I sat there night after night, not knowing what to do or say, I held her hand. She was awake and aware at this time and I spoke from my heart to her. We had a strained relationship since I was in high school. More my fault than hers. But now I wanted to say something to her from my heart. "Mom, thank you. You've been a good mother. I was lucky". She squeezed my hand and her eyes smiled. I can't remember if I cried after that. I don't think I did. I don't know why I wouldn't, cause I have tears in my eyes as I write about that conversation now. That was a very real conversation, one I'm glad I had and the emotions I feel as I write this are as if it had happened yesterday.
I was down by the river with Brenda. We had been seeing each other for months. I had been going through an acrimonious divorce and was pretty fucked up. I had shut myself off from feeling any emotion. The woman who I had been married to for 10 years had ripped my heart out and worse, had ripped my children out of my life. The broken heart I knew I would deal with, not holding my children was unbearable. I don't know how Brenda did it. She stayed with me through all the hurt I was going through, all the times I would withdraw from her emotionally, all the times I would generalize women and how I felt about them. She was strong for us both at that time. Not that she gave me strength to get through the divorce. No that was up to me. Up to me and my psychologist. No, Brenda was strong for us and our future as two people in a relationship. I'm sure it would have been easier, many times, for her to move on and find someone else. As I was saying, Brenda and I were walking by the river one evening and then stopped by a tree that was tilting so far over the river that Brenda was leaning up against it. For the first time in many months I felt something in my heart. I looked into Brenda's eyes and told her that I loved her - for the first time we had been seeing each other, I told her that I loved her. I don't think that she understood at the time the depth of my words. She had been so patient, so giving of herself and her body, so kind to my kids when I had them on the weekends - she was probably thinking that it was about damn time I said it. That was a real conversation, I remember it as if was yesterday and I think Brenda finally gets what I mean when I say "I love you'. It's not just three words, it's raising three kids in a blended family, it's being there for each other as parents passed away, it's being strong when death came knocking on our door and Brenda was given back to me, it's finding ways to be physically close when arthritis has riddled our bodies with daily pain. Those three words, "I love you", as if it was yesterday.
My Dad was sitting on his hospital bed. It had been two years since my Mom had passed away. The past two years had been hard on him. He missed his wife and life partner. He had been on dialysis for at least a year and was constantly in and out of the hospital, always in pain. He was lost, lonely and tired. He turned to me and said, "I'm taking myself off dialysis". I don't know if my face betrayed the shock I felt. I fully understood what that meant. My father had decided to quit prolonging the inevitable. He no longer wanted to live without my mother. We had many conversations before he slipped into a coma. The day before he went into his coma, his youngest brother died of a heart attack. Earlier in the year his oldest brother also passed away. I had to make a decision to either tell him about his brother's death or just let it go without mention. We had another real conversation when I told him of the news. "I guess I'll see them all soon", another real conversation, remembered as if it was yesterday.
I won't be writing about the real conversations that I've had with my children. Not yet anyway, I'll save that for another blog.
I was alone in the back yard of our home in Arizona. I had taken time for some health issues and was looking at a minimum of three surgeries to get my health back on track. Brenda was at our home in Canada and it was just myself and my dog Jet. It was warm, the sky was blue, hummingbirds were flittering around the bottlebrush tree and I was deep in thought about the future. I started talking in my head, I looked up at the sky and said my thoughts out loud and even sometimes I would look at Jet and talk to her. It was a conversation about the future. A place to work that was respectful, fun and with a greater purpose than to get the share price up and get as much money as I could get. A greater purpose than myself. A place where the lessons I learned from Matty would be shared with my co-workers. A place where respect was something that was expected and not thought of as a weakness, like I learned from my farmer co-worker on the oil rig. A place where young people would learn from older. A place where those with disabilities, like me and others like me, could continue as knowledge workers. Whether that would be modified work schedules or work from home or even part time. A place that gave back to the community, not for credit and recognition - but, because it is the right thing to do. To love to do something, means to work through challenges and understand a greater reason for doing the things we do. At that moment, I knew that Philosopher's Stone had to be. I had to show the courage that I learnt from my parents, to be willing to risk my carefully planned out future of making shit loads of money and retirement - in order to do what my heart was telling me I had to do.
So now we have an approved name of Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas Foundation, three directors are now in place, application for letters patent are waiting for signature by the directors and approval under the Canada Corporation Act Part II and then further approval from Canada Revenue Agency. Only a month or two behind in the timeline I set in the first blog post. Thank you to all who have helped get Philosopher's Stone to this point. We need your support to make this dream, this hope - a reality.
Now that has been a real conversation.
I was working on an oil rig in my early 20's and some guy drove on the rig site and was being disrespectful to one of my co-workers and myself. My co-worker was a farmer and was trying to make some money on the rigs, in order to keep his farm. He must have been in his late 30's or early 40's. A gentleman at all times, respectful and always willing to help us young guys when we were unsure what to do around the rig site. This nice and respectful man turned to the guy who was being disrespectful and just snapped. I don't think I had ever seen someone so angry in my life. He walked over to the disrespectful guy, with a hammer in his hand. My co-worker pointed the hammer at the guy and told him to "shut the fuck up and get off the lease site". The guy in the vehicle was taken aback, turned his vehicle around and left the site. I don't know who he was, don't know why he was there - but, I do know that whatever reason he was there, was not reason enough to stay there. My co-worker came back to where we working and got back to work as if nothing happened. It was about break time and we sat down for a minute. I asked him what that was all about. He was quiet for a bit and then smiled at me and said, "I treat people the same way they treat me. I put up with some bull shit from people I work for, but that guy has been on my ass for awhile. Thinks he is better than me because he has a title and business card. I don't have to take that disrespect from any man". My life to that point was trying to get along, not to create any disharmony where ever I worked, more of a yes sir or no sir kind of guy. That day opened my eyes to a new view of work. A view that a person could work hard, be respectful, be kind and helpful to those he worked with - but, never accept any disrespect from someone in the workplace again. That was a real conversation, one that I remember to this day, as if it was yesterday.
My mother lay in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Tubes and needles sticking in and out of her. She was unable to talk, she had a large tube down her throat so she could breath. Two weeks prior, she was admitted to the hospital for anemia and now she was going to die of cancer very soon. As I sat there night after night, not knowing what to do or say, I held her hand. She was awake and aware at this time and I spoke from my heart to her. We had a strained relationship since I was in high school. More my fault than hers. But now I wanted to say something to her from my heart. "Mom, thank you. You've been a good mother. I was lucky". She squeezed my hand and her eyes smiled. I can't remember if I cried after that. I don't think I did. I don't know why I wouldn't, cause I have tears in my eyes as I write about that conversation now. That was a very real conversation, one I'm glad I had and the emotions I feel as I write this are as if it had happened yesterday.
I was down by the river with Brenda. We had been seeing each other for months. I had been going through an acrimonious divorce and was pretty fucked up. I had shut myself off from feeling any emotion. The woman who I had been married to for 10 years had ripped my heart out and worse, had ripped my children out of my life. The broken heart I knew I would deal with, not holding my children was unbearable. I don't know how Brenda did it. She stayed with me through all the hurt I was going through, all the times I would withdraw from her emotionally, all the times I would generalize women and how I felt about them. She was strong for us both at that time. Not that she gave me strength to get through the divorce. No that was up to me. Up to me and my psychologist. No, Brenda was strong for us and our future as two people in a relationship. I'm sure it would have been easier, many times, for her to move on and find someone else. As I was saying, Brenda and I were walking by the river one evening and then stopped by a tree that was tilting so far over the river that Brenda was leaning up against it. For the first time in many months I felt something in my heart. I looked into Brenda's eyes and told her that I loved her - for the first time we had been seeing each other, I told her that I loved her. I don't think that she understood at the time the depth of my words. She had been so patient, so giving of herself and her body, so kind to my kids when I had them on the weekends - she was probably thinking that it was about damn time I said it. That was a real conversation, I remember it as if was yesterday and I think Brenda finally gets what I mean when I say "I love you'. It's not just three words, it's raising three kids in a blended family, it's being there for each other as parents passed away, it's being strong when death came knocking on our door and Brenda was given back to me, it's finding ways to be physically close when arthritis has riddled our bodies with daily pain. Those three words, "I love you", as if it was yesterday.
My Dad was sitting on his hospital bed. It had been two years since my Mom had passed away. The past two years had been hard on him. He missed his wife and life partner. He had been on dialysis for at least a year and was constantly in and out of the hospital, always in pain. He was lost, lonely and tired. He turned to me and said, "I'm taking myself off dialysis". I don't know if my face betrayed the shock I felt. I fully understood what that meant. My father had decided to quit prolonging the inevitable. He no longer wanted to live without my mother. We had many conversations before he slipped into a coma. The day before he went into his coma, his youngest brother died of a heart attack. Earlier in the year his oldest brother also passed away. I had to make a decision to either tell him about his brother's death or just let it go without mention. We had another real conversation when I told him of the news. "I guess I'll see them all soon", another real conversation, remembered as if it was yesterday.
I won't be writing about the real conversations that I've had with my children. Not yet anyway, I'll save that for another blog.
I was alone in the back yard of our home in Arizona. I had taken time for some health issues and was looking at a minimum of three surgeries to get my health back on track. Brenda was at our home in Canada and it was just myself and my dog Jet. It was warm, the sky was blue, hummingbirds were flittering around the bottlebrush tree and I was deep in thought about the future. I started talking in my head, I looked up at the sky and said my thoughts out loud and even sometimes I would look at Jet and talk to her. It was a conversation about the future. A place to work that was respectful, fun and with a greater purpose than to get the share price up and get as much money as I could get. A greater purpose than myself. A place where the lessons I learned from Matty would be shared with my co-workers. A place where respect was something that was expected and not thought of as a weakness, like I learned from my farmer co-worker on the oil rig. A place where young people would learn from older. A place where those with disabilities, like me and others like me, could continue as knowledge workers. Whether that would be modified work schedules or work from home or even part time. A place that gave back to the community, not for credit and recognition - but, because it is the right thing to do. To love to do something, means to work through challenges and understand a greater reason for doing the things we do. At that moment, I knew that Philosopher's Stone had to be. I had to show the courage that I learnt from my parents, to be willing to risk my carefully planned out future of making shit loads of money and retirement - in order to do what my heart was telling me I had to do.
So now we have an approved name of Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas Foundation, three directors are now in place, application for letters patent are waiting for signature by the directors and approval under the Canada Corporation Act Part II and then further approval from Canada Revenue Agency. Only a month or two behind in the timeline I set in the first blog post. Thank you to all who have helped get Philosopher's Stone to this point. We need your support to make this dream, this hope - a reality.
Now that has been a real conversation.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Cognitive Dissonance
I recently read an article written by Vaughan Bell from the on-line magazine Slate. Mr. Bell referred to a psychological study that I found interesting. In 1956, a psychologist Leon Festinger wrote a book titled When Prophecy Fails. It was a study on a religious cult called the Seekers that were predicting that a major flood would destroy the North American West Coast.
To paraphrase (or is that plagiarize) Mr. Bell's article. "The study was to determine how the "believers" would react to information that did not match up with their beliefs. His theory was that human beings are strongly motivated to resolve conflict - a state of mind called "cognitive dissonance." Festinger wondered whether they would give up their closely held beliefs, or would they work to justify them even in the face of the most brutal contradiction. The Seekers abandoned their jobs, possessions and spouses to prepare for the coming flood and the aliens in flying saucers that would whisk them to safety. But neither the aliens or the apocalypse arrived. The leader of the group received a "message" saying that the group "had spread so much light that God had saved the world from destruction." The group responded by proselytizing with a renewed vigour. According to Festinger, they resolved the intense conflict between reality and prophecy by seeking safety in numbers. That is, if more people can be persuaded that the system of belief is correct, then clearly, it must, after all, be correct. Festinger opined that human beings will adapt to even the most unlikely of contradictions using nothing more than our methods of everyday rationalizations."
As Harold Camping's followers are preparing for Judgement Day this Sunday May 21, 2011, much of the world is laughing at his followers, their beliefs and actions. Yet daily, millions of North Americans are also following "beliefs" that are being proselytized by the corporations that they work for. Many companies (not all, thankfully) have stated Core Values that in no way match their business model nor their actual corporate culture. These corporations expect and demand that those employed by them "believe" in a system that is clearly contradictory to many of the employee's personal values. Corporations might say that they are a meritocracy, when in fact raises, bonuses and promotions may be based on personality and politics. Corporations might say that their shares are the best investment for your retirement, notwithstanding that most experienced investment professionals suggest that you diversify your investments (is having your salary and retirement investments tied to the same corporation diversification? Ask the former employees of Enron or WorldCom). Corporations might say that employees are their most valued assets and prove that statement is false by their actions. Yet corporations will continue to repeat those statements over and over as if anything said enough times (no matter how false) - will be true.
That was a long way to get to the point of this blog post. It is intended that Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas not only have written Core Values, but ensure that those values are clearly stated and defined in it's documents of incorporation and by-laws. Ensuring a meritocracy will be achieved by management giving clarity to PSOG's vision and strategy for a sustainable charitable foundation and rewarding those employees that meet clearly defined expectations. Employees will not be tied to PSOG with promises of stock options or phantom shares (that are usually apportioned to management in much greater number than to the rank and file staff members) as it is not possible in a charitable foundation. And our employees shall be our most valued asset - because they will not be compensated to the same financial status as many of their peers in the oil and gas industry. Compensation will be a fair and comparable salary capped to 3 X the median family income in the community they work, a bonus maximum of 25% of base salary for all employees, flexible work times (even working at home depending on function and skill set), vacations/sabbatical plans not currently offered in the oil and gas industry and most important - the privilege of working for a purpose greater than ourselves.
I trust that this blog will once again be available for you to read in June 2011. Sorry Mr. Camping - we all have too much to accomplish to have it all end now. To all my friends and colleagues - God Bless.
To paraphrase (or is that plagiarize) Mr. Bell's article. "The study was to determine how the "believers" would react to information that did not match up with their beliefs. His theory was that human beings are strongly motivated to resolve conflict - a state of mind called "cognitive dissonance." Festinger wondered whether they would give up their closely held beliefs, or would they work to justify them even in the face of the most brutal contradiction. The Seekers abandoned their jobs, possessions and spouses to prepare for the coming flood and the aliens in flying saucers that would whisk them to safety. But neither the aliens or the apocalypse arrived. The leader of the group received a "message" saying that the group "had spread so much light that God had saved the world from destruction." The group responded by proselytizing with a renewed vigour. According to Festinger, they resolved the intense conflict between reality and prophecy by seeking safety in numbers. That is, if more people can be persuaded that the system of belief is correct, then clearly, it must, after all, be correct. Festinger opined that human beings will adapt to even the most unlikely of contradictions using nothing more than our methods of everyday rationalizations."
As Harold Camping's followers are preparing for Judgement Day this Sunday May 21, 2011, much of the world is laughing at his followers, their beliefs and actions. Yet daily, millions of North Americans are also following "beliefs" that are being proselytized by the corporations that they work for. Many companies (not all, thankfully) have stated Core Values that in no way match their business model nor their actual corporate culture. These corporations expect and demand that those employed by them "believe" in a system that is clearly contradictory to many of the employee's personal values. Corporations might say that they are a meritocracy, when in fact raises, bonuses and promotions may be based on personality and politics. Corporations might say that their shares are the best investment for your retirement, notwithstanding that most experienced investment professionals suggest that you diversify your investments (is having your salary and retirement investments tied to the same corporation diversification? Ask the former employees of Enron or WorldCom). Corporations might say that employees are their most valued assets and prove that statement is false by their actions. Yet corporations will continue to repeat those statements over and over as if anything said enough times (no matter how false) - will be true.
That was a long way to get to the point of this blog post. It is intended that Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas not only have written Core Values, but ensure that those values are clearly stated and defined in it's documents of incorporation and by-laws. Ensuring a meritocracy will be achieved by management giving clarity to PSOG's vision and strategy for a sustainable charitable foundation and rewarding those employees that meet clearly defined expectations. Employees will not be tied to PSOG with promises of stock options or phantom shares (that are usually apportioned to management in much greater number than to the rank and file staff members) as it is not possible in a charitable foundation. And our employees shall be our most valued asset - because they will not be compensated to the same financial status as many of their peers in the oil and gas industry. Compensation will be a fair and comparable salary capped to 3 X the median family income in the community they work, a bonus maximum of 25% of base salary for all employees, flexible work times (even working at home depending on function and skill set), vacations/sabbatical plans not currently offered in the oil and gas industry and most important - the privilege of working for a purpose greater than ourselves.
I trust that this blog will once again be available for you to read in June 2011. Sorry Mr. Camping - we all have too much to accomplish to have it all end now. To all my friends and colleagues - God Bless.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Incredulous - Amazed - Gobsmacked
Okay, I'm going to make this Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas project idea refined down to two paragraphs.
PSOG is going to buy sweet, shallow gas properties from existing oil and gas corporations, produce the wells and then abandon them, farm out the same lands to other junior oil and gas companies to drill for other zones of interest on the properties, use about 60% of the revenue from production for OPEX, CAPEX, G&A & abandonment program, 30% for debt repayment and 10% for distribution to charities. Once debt is repaid, it will be 60% OPEX, CAPEX, G&A and 40% for distribution to charities.
Wow, did it in one paragraph.
The title of the blog today is a result of the challenges that keep popping up in front of us. This week I found out that we can't be deemed a charity for tax purposes, we can only be a public foundation. That might mean we can't give tax deductible receipts for a portion of the asset purchase price. Apparently the government doesn't want companies to be self sustaining charitable organizations. Therefor, we would have to beg for money from corporations and individuals to then distribute to other charities.
First of all, we're not interested in begging for money. That is exactly what we are adamantly against. The point of a self sustaining charity is to make money with dignity and not beg for it. What is the difference between some poor guy or gal on the street corner or an executive from United Way. I guess the executive is better educated and better dressed; the person on the street corner makes us feel more uncomfortable (for the blessings we have) by their appearance. I guess that's why the United Way makes millions and the corner person only makes enough for a meal and unfortunately some money that might be used for alcohol and/or drugs.
Second, we're not interested in begging for money. The point of self sustaining charities is to demand that municipal, provincial and federal governments quit giving away tax dollars. To prevent them from using that tax money where it best gets them votes. To prevent them from using that tax money to reward party supporters. Using that tax payor money to get a politician's picture taken with a big cheque, next to the successfully dressed executive beggar from the government recognized charity, standing next to the most pathetic, story book person they can find - in order to tug at your heart strings.
Just so you don't think I am a total hard ass, let me tell you a pathetic story. My oldest brother was mentally handicapped. When I was growing up, the world wasn't so politically correct. At that time; he was "retarded". Worse than that, "retard" was used as a negative and a put down. It would be the same disgusting put downs as "faggot" or "nigger" is used to put down those that are different or "less than" - by the cool or established persons of today's society. I always wanted to be cool, so I was embarrassed by my brother's disability. I never brought my friends home, I hid my brother from my world.
Joe was a courier in Calgary for 15 years, employed by an oil and gas company. The man who ran this oil and gas company treated Joe with respect and gave value to his life by providing a job. That job gave Joe a decent life with my parents. Gave Joe the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics. Gave Joe the opportunity to go to Calgary Flames games and was befriended by that organization. When both my parents passed on, it was up to my second brother and I to look after Joe.
My second brother being the more responsible and compassionate of the two of us at the time, looked after Joe's finances and medical issues. I did very little other than lunches, dinners or the odd ride to some function. Joe had a nice life, good friends (both disabled and "normal") and went to work daily. Unfortunately it was time for Joe to retire. By this time my second brother had moved away and it was up to me to be more "responsible".
After returning from a work posting in South America, I now had more contact with Joe. I had grown up, become more understanding of his disability and more understanding of my failings as a brother. Just when I was able to embrace Joe into my life, he died of a heart attack. The people at his funeral were many, because he had touched the lives of many. This person with many challenges, this person called a "retard", this person I had been embarrassed to be seen with - in the end had lived a life of independence and achievement.
Now you may ask why this is a pathetic story. Joe's life wasn't pathetic. What was pathetic, was that I had lost out by having minimal contact with him. What was pathetic, was that I put others before my brother. What was pathetic, was that I was too soon to material wealth and too late to have compassion for the disabled and those less fortunate than myself. What is pathetic, is that I am now more embarrassed by not embracing my brother, than I was embarrassed by my brother when I was growing up. Now that is pathetic.
Wow, that took longer than two paragraphs.
Where was I ? Oh yeah, finally we're not interested in begging for money. We want to be self sustainable (like my brother Joe was). We want to make money to distribute to charities and touch others lives in a positive way (like my brother Joe did). And in the end, PSOG will be remembered not for having challenges, but meeting them with dignity and independence (like my brother Joe did).
I am incredulous, amazed and gobsmackedquo. That over $ 2 billion dollars may be spent on an election in 2012 in the USA and the main political point will be unnecessary and unsustainable spending by the government.
I am incredulous, amazed and gobsmacked that many billions of dollars have been raised for expensive oil and gas projects that have a 1 in 10 chance of being commercially viable. And yet no group is currently financing business models for the day when production revenues are close to zero and abandonment liabilities will be the responsibility of shuttered and bankrupt companies - some in other countries. Will our provincial governments outsource call centres for the debt collection of environmental liabilities. They have enough problems and expense collecting unpaid parking and traffic tickets - how successful will they be collecting millions for the orphan well project. Albertans may end up with an environmental sales tax. Why not let sustainable charities have the last share of production to clean up this mess and do some good for the communities that the operations are in.
I am incredulous, amazed and gobsmacked that more money is spent on inventing and developing methods of how to taser, kill, maim and destroy others; than is allowed for developing new and sustainable means of giving to those in need in our local communities.
I am incredulous, amazed and gobsmacked that PSOG is asked the question "why" rather than "why not" . so to paraphrase a line from John F. Kennedy "others may ask why, I ask why not". Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas - quit asking why. Ask why not.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thank you Mr. Chomsky
Recently Noam Chomsky (Institute Professor emeritus in the MIT Department of Linguistics and Philosophy) wrote "As long as the general population is passive, apathetic, diverted to consumerism or hatred of the vulnerable, then the powerful can do as they please, and those who survive will be left to contemplate the outcome."
This quote is taken from a more in depth writing regarding greater world policy issues than the Philosopher Stone Oil & Gas project. It made me think more regarding the motivation behind PSOG. The point he makes is directly related to the reason and purpose of PSOG. We will no longer be passive and apathetic, we will effect change in the oil and gas industry. We will no longer be absorbed in consumerism; working for less money, but with more purpose. No longer shall bad behaviour towards those vulnerable within our community be acceptable, we will contribute to our employees and those charities that lift up those more vulnerable than ourselves. This will be accomplished not through confrontation, but by example and action.
I recently had lunch with a successful oil and gas executive that is on his second "start up". Having made millions of dollars through his efforts and those efforts of the employees around him - he was kind enough to listen to me regarding the PSOG project. This person has helped raise over $ 16,000,000 for charities and I valued his view of our idea. He struggled with the "numbers" for profitability of minor non-operating interests, potential liabilities associated with "legacy" properties and the overall benefit to large corporations for disposing of any production in this business environment. All valid and well thought out opinions.
Finally, he gave his opinion that all corporations would rather give money directly to their charities of choice, rather than flow a benefit through Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas. The reasoning was - "to get PR or credit for their charitable donation". He may be right, many people and corporations donate for the status and publicity given in the media for their "good deeds". This is not bad - the charities and the persons that benefit from those charities are receiving much needed funds. The reasons and motivations are therefor irrelevant.
I appreciated this person's advice and counsel and thanked him for his time. After our lunch I started to have doubts about the viability of Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas. One question he asked was the spark for this blog. He asked "why are you doing this". He was curious as to my motivation. I being a somewhat defensive person when my motives are question; quickly, and with maybe too much enthusiasm, gave him some facts of my life and viewpoints of why I wanted to succeed with this project. I'm fairly intuitive and I sensed that my explanation did not register with him. After that lunch I had a workout and had time to reflect on our conversation.
I determined that my defensive response was my own "ego" getting in the way of "something greater than myself". On further reflection, I remembered how my parents had given charity while they were alive. Their giving was always with anonymity and with gratitude that they were fortunate enough to share their modest wealth with others in need. They gave of their time in the community. They even sponsored a family from the former Soviet Union to live in Canada. The sponsored couple's two children flourished; one became a lawyer ( I forgive him : ) and the other an architect. Never did my parents ask for a memorial or press release for their charity to others. So when my lunch appointment made clear that corporations wanted the credit for their giving - it was a light bulb moment for me.
So after 1 hour on the elliptical and sweat pouring off my body. I committed to the following:
This quote is taken from a more in depth writing regarding greater world policy issues than the Philosopher Stone Oil & Gas project. It made me think more regarding the motivation behind PSOG. The point he makes is directly related to the reason and purpose of PSOG. We will no longer be passive and apathetic, we will effect change in the oil and gas industry. We will no longer be absorbed in consumerism; working for less money, but with more purpose. No longer shall bad behaviour towards those vulnerable within our community be acceptable, we will contribute to our employees and those charities that lift up those more vulnerable than ourselves. This will be accomplished not through confrontation, but by example and action.
I recently had lunch with a successful oil and gas executive that is on his second "start up". Having made millions of dollars through his efforts and those efforts of the employees around him - he was kind enough to listen to me regarding the PSOG project. This person has helped raise over $ 16,000,000 for charities and I valued his view of our idea. He struggled with the "numbers" for profitability of minor non-operating interests, potential liabilities associated with "legacy" properties and the overall benefit to large corporations for disposing of any production in this business environment. All valid and well thought out opinions.
Finally, he gave his opinion that all corporations would rather give money directly to their charities of choice, rather than flow a benefit through Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas. The reasoning was - "to get PR or credit for their charitable donation". He may be right, many people and corporations donate for the status and publicity given in the media for their "good deeds". This is not bad - the charities and the persons that benefit from those charities are receiving much needed funds. The reasons and motivations are therefor irrelevant.
I appreciated this person's advice and counsel and thanked him for his time. After our lunch I started to have doubts about the viability of Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas. One question he asked was the spark for this blog. He asked "why are you doing this". He was curious as to my motivation. I being a somewhat defensive person when my motives are question; quickly, and with maybe too much enthusiasm, gave him some facts of my life and viewpoints of why I wanted to succeed with this project. I'm fairly intuitive and I sensed that my explanation did not register with him. After that lunch I had a workout and had time to reflect on our conversation.
I determined that my defensive response was my own "ego" getting in the way of "something greater than myself". On further reflection, I remembered how my parents had given charity while they were alive. Their giving was always with anonymity and with gratitude that they were fortunate enough to share their modest wealth with others in need. They gave of their time in the community. They even sponsored a family from the former Soviet Union to live in Canada. The sponsored couple's two children flourished; one became a lawyer ( I forgive him : ) and the other an architect. Never did my parents ask for a memorial or press release for their charity to others. So when my lunch appointment made clear that corporations wanted the credit for their giving - it was a light bulb moment for me.
So after 1 hour on the elliptical and sweat pouring off my body. I committed to the following:
- First and foremost - I have to keep getting in better shape. Much hard work is ahead of us to make Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas an example of what can be and not what is expected.
- Second, the message of Philosopher's Stone has to be more clear and articulated so that those that are open to the possibilities, can "feel" the motivation of our actions
- The financial support for this project is the greatest challenge and we will continue to discuss the vision of PSOG with those investors that are "really smart" and have ideas for creative (stop it - it will be legal and ethical) financing.
- Finally, I will continue to refine the message and talk to as many people as I can to make this dream a reality
Thursday, April 14, 2011
For those of us optically challenged, I had to IMAGINE I could actually read what was sent out
Imagine a corporation committed to the benefit of the community.
Imagine a corporation that limits “executive” base compensation to 3 X the median family income of the community in which they work.
Imagine bonuses limited to 25% of base compensation to all employees (including “executives”). Bonuses that are granted based solely on our contribution to the designated charities.
Imagine a corporation that will only compensate its employees with a “livable” wage, not the minimum.
Imagine that all types of employees; no matter race, creed, disability or sexual orientation can strive to learn, work and prosper in a corporation that is dedicated to something greater than ourselves.
Imagine leaving all that you are part of, in better condition than what it was found in. The community, its people and its environment.
Imagine a corporation that fills a niche in an industry that will benefit other corporations in the industry, our government, our community and our charities (that are struggling for funds to do the good work that they do).
Imagine a corporation that is truly sustainable, that is more concerned with the next quarter century than the next fiscal quarter.
IMAGINE
Met with our attorney this week and we are preparing an application to the federal government for charitable status. This application may need revisions before it is accepted and may lengthen the timing of “startup” closer to 8-12 months from this date.
Please comment on this idea and give whatever thoughts you may have. Without your input, the idea that is Philosopher’s Stone is limited – the goal is to make this greater than ourselves. Keep in mind that this must run as a business that makes money (it is not a charity for any one group). It is our dream that this corporation makes lots of money and the goal is $10,000,000 to be distributed annually to our designated charities. This won’t happen overnight – might take some time, might never happen. But, that is the goal – we all need goals.
IMAGINE
Philosopher’s Stone Oil & Gas - IMAGINE
Imagine a corporation committed to the benefit of the community.
Imagine a corporation that limits “executive” base compensation to 3 X the median family income of the community in which they work.
Imagine bonuses limited to 25% of base compensation to all employees (including “executives”). Bonuses that are granted based solely on our contribution to the designated charities.
Imagine a corporation that will only compensate its employees with a “livable” wage, not the minimum.
Imagine that all types of employees; no matter race, creed, disability or sexual orientation can strive to learn, work and prosper in a corporation that is dedicated to something greater than ourselves.
Imagine leaving all that you are part of, in better condition than what it was found in. The community, its people and its environment.
Imagine a corporation that fills a niche in an industry that will benefit other corporations in the industry, our government, our community and our charities (that are struggling for funds to do the good work that they do).
Imagine a corporation that is truly sustainable, that is more concerned with the next quarter century than the next fiscal quarter.
IMAGINE
Met with our attorney this week and we are preparing an application to the federal government for charitable status. This application may need revisions before it is accepted and may lengthen the timing of “startup” closer to 8-12 months from this date.
Please comment on this idea and give whatever thoughts you may have. Without your input, the idea that is Philosopher’s Stone is limited – the goal is to make this greater than ourselves. Keep in mind that this must run as a business that makes money (it is not a charity for any one group). It is our dream that this corporation makes lots of money and the goal is $10,000,000 to be distributed annually to our designated charities. This won’t happen overnight – might take some time, might never happen. But, that is the goal – we all need goals.
IMAGINE
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas - Cynics and Integrity
Just a quick update on the setting up of Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas. Meeting with our lawyer and accountant (always hire people way smarter than yourself !!) to discuss timing of the application for charity status. I hope to have the applications into the authorities on or before June 1 of this year. It will the take 6-12 months to get approval as a charity status corporation or trust from the Canadian government. This will allow for scoping out of oil and gas properties, secure financing/credit arrangements and setting up policy/procedures for acquiring and maintaining the targeted properties.
Today's title was prompted by one of the most outrageous stories that I have seen regarding an oil and gas related corporation. Transocean (you know; Gulf of Mexico, BP, oil spill, 11 souls lost) granted "safety" bonuses to their "executives" for a job well done this past year. Seriously ? Why not just send birthday cards to the 11 people that lost their lives in that unfortunate and preventable event.
Transocean's lack of "humanism" in the face of their cynical explanations of "targets" and "responsibilities" showed a lack of integrity that was steeped in cynicism. Further, Transocean's lack of awareness as to how the victim's families and society in general would view this grab for cash by individuals complicit in this "accident" - exposes a prevailing attitude in the oil and gas industry. An attitude of "what can I get and how fast". There is nothing wrong with making a profit, there is nothing wrong with giving bonuses and rewarding people; I do question when companies push "productivity" and "bottom line" at the expense of safety and integrity in an effort to get those profits and bonuses. Bonuses that are divided up disproportionately between highly paid "executives". Why not set a percentage of each person's base salary not to exceed 25 %. And let's say that 25 % is the same for each employee. I mean - you only get bonuses if the "corporation" hits their targets. That's not socialism or communism - it's just good and ethical capitalism (I would like to say "humanism").
I've had people ask why I am leading the charge to start Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas. Questions like "what's the angle", "how do you make money at that", "why the f*#k would you do that". They've asked if I've "got religion". Therefor, I owe an explanation to those reading this blog and those supporting this idea.
I"M SELFISH. YES, THAT'S RIGHT - I'M SELFISH.
I no longer want to work in a cynical environment and fight to retain my integrity in the face of "leaders" who have questionable values. I no longer wish to dedicate my knowledge and energy to a corporation that is more like a psychopath being served by sociopaths. I want to spend my remaining work years doing something that my children and grand children can be proud of. Instead of leaving them a big inheritance, I want to leave a legacy of service to my family and my community.
SO THAT'S IT. I'M EXPOSED. I'M SELFISH AND I'M WILLING TO ADMIT IT.
Oh, by the way. Transocean's executives made an announcement that they were donating their bonuses to the 11 families of the terrible accident. Only after the media and others put the absurdity of "safety bonuses" in Transocean's face did they give up this money.
Cynicism and integrity. Transocean is not the oil and gas corporation with an abundance of one and a deficit in the other.
Today's title was prompted by one of the most outrageous stories that I have seen regarding an oil and gas related corporation. Transocean (you know; Gulf of Mexico, BP, oil spill, 11 souls lost) granted "safety" bonuses to their "executives" for a job well done this past year. Seriously ? Why not just send birthday cards to the 11 people that lost their lives in that unfortunate and preventable event.
Transocean's lack of "humanism" in the face of their cynical explanations of "targets" and "responsibilities" showed a lack of integrity that was steeped in cynicism. Further, Transocean's lack of awareness as to how the victim's families and society in general would view this grab for cash by individuals complicit in this "accident" - exposes a prevailing attitude in the oil and gas industry. An attitude of "what can I get and how fast". There is nothing wrong with making a profit, there is nothing wrong with giving bonuses and rewarding people; I do question when companies push "productivity" and "bottom line" at the expense of safety and integrity in an effort to get those profits and bonuses. Bonuses that are divided up disproportionately between highly paid "executives". Why not set a percentage of each person's base salary not to exceed 25 %. And let's say that 25 % is the same for each employee. I mean - you only get bonuses if the "corporation" hits their targets. That's not socialism or communism - it's just good and ethical capitalism (I would like to say "humanism").
I've had people ask why I am leading the charge to start Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas. Questions like "what's the angle", "how do you make money at that", "why the f*#k would you do that". They've asked if I've "got religion". Therefor, I owe an explanation to those reading this blog and those supporting this idea.
I"M SELFISH. YES, THAT'S RIGHT - I'M SELFISH.
I no longer want to work in a cynical environment and fight to retain my integrity in the face of "leaders" who have questionable values. I no longer wish to dedicate my knowledge and energy to a corporation that is more like a psychopath being served by sociopaths. I want to spend my remaining work years doing something that my children and grand children can be proud of. Instead of leaving them a big inheritance, I want to leave a legacy of service to my family and my community.
SO THAT'S IT. I'M EXPOSED. I'M SELFISH AND I'M WILLING TO ADMIT IT.
Oh, by the way. Transocean's executives made an announcement that they were donating their bonuses to the 11 families of the terrible accident. Only after the media and others put the absurdity of "safety bonuses" in Transocean's face did they give up this money.
Cynicism and integrity. Transocean is not the oil and gas corporation with an abundance of one and a deficit in the other.
Friday, April 1, 2011
First Blog - Philospher's Stone Oil & Gas
This blog is to be a running chronicle of the challenges of starting a Not-For-Profit Oil and Gas Corporation (yeah, yeah ; not for profit - on purpose).
As we go through the process of application for status as a charity from the tax authorities, identifying a Board of Directors, rallying support from the oil and gas industry, financing this venture and finally - putting this plan into action and operation; the reader will share our experiences and be asked to give their opinions and advice as we progress.
The name Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas is a reflection of our challenge to take the industry's sh*t (minor working interests, declining oil & gas fields, etc.) and turn it into gold for our designated charities.
This will take accurate property evaluation, efficient work processes and a lot of luck.
Unfortunately, Philosopher's Stone will benefit from oil and gas corporations wanting to reduce their costs by increasing their productivity and efficiences (i.e. layoffs or worse - one person doing a two person job), increase their profit per barrel of oil equivilent (sometimes at the risk of the environment and safety) and the growing unrest in the Middle East.
Fortunately, Philosopher's Stone will be there to hire staff. We will train those new to the industry, provide a place for semi retired workers to continue earning money - and still provide flexibility in time and the work environment. We will not descriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or race - however, we will descriminate against those whiny, no ambition, me first types that permeate the industry and its offices.
In subsequent posts I will try not to sound like I have a stick up my .........
Please comment as you see fit, be patient with my initial blogs and see that we are trying to create something bigger than ourselves for the benefit of our community.
Blackheart
As we go through the process of application for status as a charity from the tax authorities, identifying a Board of Directors, rallying support from the oil and gas industry, financing this venture and finally - putting this plan into action and operation; the reader will share our experiences and be asked to give their opinions and advice as we progress.
The name Philosopher's Stone Oil & Gas is a reflection of our challenge to take the industry's sh*t (minor working interests, declining oil & gas fields, etc.) and turn it into gold for our designated charities.
This will take accurate property evaluation, efficient work processes and a lot of luck.
Unfortunately, Philosopher's Stone will benefit from oil and gas corporations wanting to reduce their costs by increasing their productivity and efficiences (i.e. layoffs or worse - one person doing a two person job), increase their profit per barrel of oil equivilent (sometimes at the risk of the environment and safety) and the growing unrest in the Middle East.
Fortunately, Philosopher's Stone will be there to hire staff. We will train those new to the industry, provide a place for semi retired workers to continue earning money - and still provide flexibility in time and the work environment. We will not descriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or race - however, we will descriminate against those whiny, no ambition, me first types that permeate the industry and its offices.
In subsequent posts I will try not to sound like I have a stick up my .........
Please comment as you see fit, be patient with my initial blogs and see that we are trying to create something bigger than ourselves for the benefit of our community.
Blackheart
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