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Transformational Transactions
My first two jobs after college were strict hourly – no benefits, PTO, or any other perks. By any metric, these were purely transactional arrangements. There were also the two most influential jobs in my career.
The first gig was as a laborer moving dirt in a landscape crew. This job taught me more about teamwork than any time spent at a desk.
The second was a draftsman in a sole proprietorship. Even though the terms of employment was a straight exchange of time for money, I continue to have a rich relationship with my old boss.
The trappings of transformational leadership and a cool culture pale against the simple act of caring deeply.
I wonder if trying to create a “transformational” work environment hinders our ability to fully live out our daily relationships. Maybe it would better to manage a company with simple “transactional” rules, respecting the fundamentally raw exchange of time for money that makes up our paid endeavors.
Strip away all the fluff and maybe we’ll be free to enjoy each other’s company.
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One Question
What was the most influential job in your career? Who was the catalyst?
Hit reply and let’s chat!
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Three Links
Seth Godin about how to attract more customers, a longer post compared to his pithy missives, but well worth the read.
Matthew Schnipper wrote an amusing essay for the New York Times about dressing our babies to impress others – of the parent’s fine taste!
Gorgeous photos by Alfons Cabrera of repetitive facades in Benidorm, Spain.
… and a photo.
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Thanks for reading the OPM letter! I’d love to have a conversation if you have any feedback. I hope you found some prompts to stretch your craft and relationships as a curious Owner PM. See you next week!
Stay humble, be kind, and keep experimenting!
Justus Pang, RA