The Critic
ni•dus n. a nest or breeding place; a place where something originates or develops.
- 17. Theodore Roosevelt's famous Man in the Arena speech. 'It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause and who, if he fails, at least fails while bearing greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.'
- 18. What do you think of your job at the Advantage?
"I like it here, I mean, I like the people I work with, but it just, well, I don’t know if it’s what I really want to do. It’s a good company if you’re into it, but I’m not sure if I am. I like my free time and I don’t like taking my work home with me. The hours are too long and I don’t know how long I can take it. They are always changing things and I never know where I stand. I work harder than most, but it never seems to be appreciated by the big chiefs [half the time I don’t know what the hell is going on].
I do my job. I would like to be making more for the hours I have to put in. If it was up to me..."
"I love my job. It’s hard work and long hours, and I really feel as if I’m developing. The main thing is that I’m building something. I’ve had to make some sacrifices, but I think I know what I want and I’m heading in the right direction. I think as a company, we’re doing the right things, but we certainly need to improve and I think I can help. It’s a long haul and I’m already packed. I could have worked somewhere else that was more secure [half the time I don’t know what the hell is going on], but life is a journey, not a guided tour."
Who would you rather build a future with?
19. Nidus. The sciences use nidus to refer to a breeding ground, often a place where bacteria lodge and multiply. Thus, although it literally means ‘nest’ in Latin, the word carries none of the positive connotations that nest has in English [such as home]. Rather, a nidus is usually a source of infection or undesirable habits. The reason I bring this up is because I want to make all of our operations part of our nest rather than a nidus – a breeding ground for growth and prosperity rather than infection or undesirable habits – a place where opportunity develops. The symptoms of a nidus are easy to spot. It starts with a bad attitude that leads to an us against them bias. A nidus then becomes isolated and the bacteria festers and rots the spirit of all that come in contact with it [fellow workers and customers alike]. Isolation breeds suspicion.
In order to build a nest rather than a nidus, we need to come together and build our future as one. We can not afford a nidus builder. You are either here helping us to build our future or you will become part of our past. Every choice has a consequence. Be big, build a nest not a nidus.
- 20. The consequences. 'Although the emotional impact of being fired varies with the individual, studies show that the trauma associated with termination is so great that it can be compared in intensity to divorce or the death of a loved one. Shock, depression, anger, self-pity, confusion, and loss of identity are some common feelings and reactions. The person is filled with anxiety and self-doubt about their prospects of finding a new job, the reactions of family and peers, and finances. The individual may be extremely bitter and negative about the future to the point of seeking revenge. He or she may go to work for a customer or competitor, file a lawsuit against the company, or spread malicious rumors. Such negative actions can substantially damage a company’s reputation and can have serious effect on its recruiting efforts, community image, and employee morale and loyalty.' - A.M. Triosi. June 1980
- 21. Mario Cuomo. 'In 1982, I wrote in my diary that life is motion, not joy. If the way you measure success in life is by how much joy it brings you, you're measuring inaccurately. Life is also sadness, defeat, striving. It is many things. I want to go home winning, but the important thing is that I played the game.'
