You have the ability to choose which way you want to go. You have to believe great things are going to happen in your life. Do everything you can – prepare, pray and achieve – to make it happen. Ben Carson
After 36 years of work at Warner Cable TV, it was time for Tim to bow out and spend time with family. Shortly after retirement, he discovered that he had more time in his hands than he needed and it was time to look for something to occupy part of his time.
Tim interviewed for several jobs and two of them stood out. One was a job that required him to report for work at 6:30am. Another one required him to work in the evenings. He wasn’t ready for any of those jobs having had to wake up early for the 36 years he worked at Warner and with his desire to spend the evenings with family. Tim wanted something he can do not so much for the income since he is a pensioner but something that would occupy his time with flexibility. And that is how he signed up with Uber as a driver.
As we cruised to the airport on the highway, I got to know that Tim lived with his mother who at 81 years old in independent. Even though they get to share some meals together, she has her own bedroom, tv area and kitchen in the Condor they share. She drives, takes care of herself and is ‘medicine free’. He was quick to point out that she came to live with them at the invitation of his wife. He has several grandchildren and having been brought up in Cincinatti, all his brothers and sisters as well as their kids live in the same city. As a result, they get to meet from time to time as a family.
Our conversation changed a couple of times. When it was time for Tim’s reflection on the current political situation in the United States, he was quick to point that he is neutral and appreciate some good from both sides of the political divide and also abhors what he considers ‘bad’ from both sides as well. His word on politics was it takes more than well-meaning politicians to achieve some transformation for common good. As we drove past the Cincinatti bridge which is currently under repairs and as a result experiencing long traffic, he mentioned that even though the current president promised to replace the over 60 year old bridge, that may not be completed during his tenure due to bureaucracy of government even if the process is initiated.
When our conversation turned into the Bible, Tim’s view of the Christian Bible as he referred to it is ‘an important instruction book’. According to Tim, Jesus summarized the Old Testament teachings with the ‘do to others as you would want them do unto you.” There were no moments of silence on my ride to the airport. As we pulled to the curb and got my luggage out, Tim was all appreciative of our ‘great’ conversation and we bid each other bye.
As I reflected on our conversation with Tim, I made a conclusion that as a leader, you need to know what you want. Whether it is about hiring, investment or strategy decisions, knowing what you want brings you closer to your decision and makes the process easier and faster.
