keene sentinel source college professorwooden boat build

The Keene Sentinel: A Source of Inspiration for College Professors and Wooden Boat Builders

As I sat on the beach, rowing my Steve Kaulback Adirondack Guide Boat, I couldn't help but think about the parallels between the pursuit of excellence in business and the craftsmanship that goes into building a wooden boat. For Tom Peters, author of 'In Search of Excellence' and 'A Passion for Excellence,' the search for exceptional leadership and management strategies is not unlike the quest for precision and attention to detail required to build a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

As I reflected on my own journey as a college professor, I was reminded of Tom's words: 'We found an abiding concern for people that went beyond lip service.' It is this focus on people and their well-being that sets true leaders apart from mere managers. And it is this same dedication to excellence that drives the best wooden boat builders to create masterpieces that are both functional and beautiful.

For Tom, the search for excellence began with a simple question: what makes companies work? He and his co-author Bob Waterman went on to answer this question in their groundbreaking book 'In Search of Excellence,' which has become a seminal work in the field of business management. And yet, as I read through my semi-annual review of the book, I am struck by how much more there is to learn.

As I rowed along the beach, I couldn't help but think about the future. According to Forbes, in 25 years my computer will be smarter than I am. But what about the human element? Will we continue to prioritize people and their well-being, or will we succumb to the temptation of technology and lose sight of what truly matters?

For Tom, the answer is clear: it's all about people. And as I looked out at the beach, I knew that this was a lesson that applied not just to business, but to every aspect of life. Whether you're building a wooden boat or leading a team, it's the attention to detail and the commitment to excellence that sets us apart.

As I pulled my boat up onto the shore, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the inspiration that Tom Peters has provided over the years. His words have challenged me to think differently about leadership and management, and his passion for people has inspired me to do the same. And as I looked out at the ocean, I knew that this was a journey that would continue long after I'm gone, inspiring future generations of college professors and wooden boat builders alike.

Keene sentinel source college professorwooden boat build