February 2007 Newsletter

Changing Course

The captain of a ship received a message one night: "Change your direction 15 degrees North to avoid collision."

A little indignant, the captain replied, "I am the captain of a large ship; recommend you divert 15 degrees South."

The captain received the reply, "We are a lighthouse."

No matter who you are, life will require flexibility. Be ready to make an adjustment.


Flexible Change

After significant growth, many organizations reach a plateau or begin sliding backward. In a changing world, they must learn to think outside the box while still being true to their goals.

Call your team together. Bring in the managers and employees who share your organization's vision. Make a habit of listening for new ideas. Do not become defensive or offer excuses. Honestly evaluate others' input and thank them for it. How can you make things more efficient? How can you make customers happier? How can you better reach economic goals? How can you invest in employees?

Build flexibility into your organization by hiring trustworthy individuals and allowing them to take ownership of their jobs. When others contribute ideas, they naturally feel more vital to the team. If you do not have coworkers with the character and values to contribute ideas, you should reexamine your leadership style and hiring practices.

Get good advice. Don't settle for the way things are. Get busy making things better.


Perseverance and Flexibility in Ponca City

The company started 30 years ago with two people, and now averages 20 employees. In recognition of their hard work, Stolhand Heating and Air-Conditioning won the 2004 National Small Business Award.

Rhonda Stolhand, daughter-in-law to founder, Fred Stolhand, said if she could give two words to business owners, they would be "perseverance and flexibility."

  • Perseverance—There are good years and bad years. Be willing to work hard and put one foot in front of the other. It will all come out in the end.
  • Flexibility—Learn from experience, and be willing to change when things don't work out the first time.

Stolhand Heating and Air-Conditioning has used Character First! for over two years. Company meetings carried a negative tone until Fred Stolhand decided to praise the good things that were being done. Instead of correcting the entire group when one person fails, managers now go to individual employees.

Employee meetings also include a name drawing. The person chosen then has the opportunity to anonymously nominate two other employees for recognition at the next month's meeting. Each nominee is praised by their coworker and receives a gift card from the company.

"Praise means a lot when it comes from a peer." says Rhonda Stolhand. "It's a great family culture in our company."


Character First! Education–10 Year Anniversary

On February 4, 1997, a team of volunteers assembled in Oklahoma City to pilot the newly published Character First! Education curriculum for elementary schools. Now, 24 Oklahoma City schools use the program, and the vision has spread to schools across the United States and in 25 foreign countries.

The pilot program arose from the dedicated leadership of the Oklahoma City Public Schools and the vision of an Oklahoma City police officer. As a community affairs officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department, Sergeant Clarence Powers dealt with juvenile delinquency every day. He began to visit classrooms, challenging students to live a life of responsibility and respect.

After learning of the Character Training Institute in 1996, Sergeant Powers led an effort generating community support, requesting Character First! curriculum for elementary education, and recruiting mentors.

Eight Oklahoma City elementary schools piloted the new Character First! curriculum. Students, teachers, and parents responded positively to the character lessons.

To all the teachers, administrators, students, parents, and volunteers who participated in the Oklahoma City pilot project, thank you for blazing a trail others could follow. The investment you made and the tools you left behind continue to benefit thousands of young lives.

Have you used the Character First! Education curriculum? Tell us your story.