Generosity, Skill & Giving Back

My mother encouraged me to read "The Snowball: Warren Buffet and the Business of Life". I think she wanted me to read a story about someone successful, who was also notably "thrifty", because she rinses plastic baggies and reuses them, which drives me a bit batty. What I found quite engaging about the book was that Warren was an early leader in the "Strengths" movement. This school of thought leadership maintains that instead of focusing energy on correcting weaknesses, one should use their strengths as much as possible, in work, and in personal relationships. It's been a few years since I first read this great work by Tom Rath, but I highly recommend it for all managers, and for those seeking to "improve" themselves.



In Buffett's case, his strengths in business negotiation became an asset in the battle for Civil Rights in Omaha. Using the multi-step transactions common in many stock, security and business dealings, Buffet helped to overturn his country club's policy against Jewish members, and helped African-American families purchase homes.

Buffet was passionate about the causes he supported, but always avoided being an honorary chair or figurehead, instead focusing on what he was best able to contribute: logical analysis, strategy, and win-win negotiation.

While a few hundred more pages than I usually enjoy in a business biography, I found "Snowball" an interesting view into one of the great American business minds. A man both of integrity, and of flaws, Buffet's navigation of 20th & 21st century American markets is a remarkable look at a remarkable leader.