The Biggest Weakness is Contemporary Business Culture?

By Pascal Dennis (bio)

One of my revered senseis always talked about Big Heart.

The biggest weakness in contemporary business culture is an absence of heart.

The scandals of the past decades – Enron, Wall Street, Madoff, McKinsey-Gupta and the like reflect it.

In each case, the villains were ‘achievatrons’ at the trough, stuffing themselves at the expense of the public.

Often, something darker than greed is at play. Do people like Madoff believe they was somehow above the law, and immune to the rules that govern the rest of us?

By contrast, my sensei spent hours teaching my chums and I – at no cost.

He dedicated his life to teaching aikido, and helping us become better people.

A society is healthy when old people plant trees whose shade they know they will never enjoy.

Best regards,

Pascal



In case you missed our last few blogs... please feel free to have another look…

What Makes a Great Sensei?
Beware Prizes, Belts & Self-appointed Experts
Aikido & Lean – It’s All the Same
The Power of Purpose

The Biggest Weakness is Contemporary Business Culture?

By Pascal Dennis,

One of my revered senseis always talked about Big Heart.

The biggest weakness in contemporary business culture is an absence of heart.

The scandals of the past decade – Enron, Wall Street, Madoff, McKinsey-Gupta and the like reflect it.

In each case, the villains were ‘achievatrons’ at the trough, stuffing themselves at the expense of the public.

Often, something darker than greed is at play. Do people like Madoff believe they was somehow above the law, and immune to the rules that govern the rest of us?

By contrast, my sensei spent hours teaching my chums and I – at no cost.

He dedicated his life to teaching aikido, and helping us become better people.

A society is healthy when old people plant trees whose shade they know they will never enjoy.
Best regards,

Pascal

Pascal Dennis Bio

More Reflections on The Wolf of Wall Street

By Pascal Dennis

Scorcese's film continues to trigger questions.

What motivates a Jordan Belfort -- or a Bernie Madoff?

Both were obviously smart, talented and charismatic.

If they'd played by the rules, they'd be rich today -- and respected.

So why did they cheat?

Are they sociopaths, pathologically addicted to deceit and destruction? "I'm smarter than everybody else!"

(With Madoff, there's some evidence to this effect.)

Did they misread the 'chess position' because of some paranoia or blind spot? "I can only win if I cheat."

(I'm aware of no evidence that either had a dreadful childhood or other factors that might trigger neuroses.)

Were they thrill-seekers, addicted to the rush of breaking the law and basic standards of decency? "What a rush!"

(Belfort appears to be prone to addiction.)

We mere mortals are tricky, lazy and deceitful - but most of us try to adhere to basic ethical standards.

Why didn't Belfort, Madoff and all the other touts?

I'd be obliged for your thoughts.

Best,

Pascal

Pascal Dennis Bio