The recent demise of the global economy has again opened our eyes to the power of globalism and its impact on our everyday lives. As the flawed U.S. banking system fueled an irrational domestic housing bubble, people around the world felt the impact of the faltering US economy. Recently, I wrote to my company about the “butterfly effect.” The difficult economy experienced in the US has left few companies and families unscathed. However, in recent travels to Italy, Spain, Syria, Mexico and China, I have been witness to inspiring exhibitions of nationalism and pride. These displays are most often by those that have much less than those of us in the U.S., but instead of dwelling on their problems have chosen rather to celebrate their successes.
In Spain, unemployment is running close to 22%, but after Barcelona won the Rey Cup (the Super Bowl of Soccer in Spain), in excess of 500,000 people spilled onto the streets of Barcelona to celebrate their championship. In Mexico, where wages are between $8 and $10 per day, unemployment is a meager 6%. In Damascus, Syria, where wages are closer to $2 per day, factory workers at Sama Corporation eagerly showed how they were working on process improvement. In Beijing, China, where wages are below $2 per day and working and living conditions are extremely difficult, families camp along the waterfront and proudly work along the historic Great Wall. All of these citizens of the World beam with joy and excitement when asked about their country, their family or their employer.
As I have seen these proud people around the World, I have asked myself what stops us from sharing the same pride and enthusiasm. Why do we struggle to allow our celebrations to triumph over our woes? I would aver as Americans, we have much to be proud of; as mothers and fathers, we have much to be proud of; as community citizens, we have much to be proud of; and as sons and daughters, we have much to be proud of. I would assert as stakeholders in our various companies, we have much to be proud of. While I rarely single out individuals, I would like to mention an employee in which we are we are particularly proud. This gentleman recently celebrated 40 years of dutiful service to our company. The celebration did not come with fanfare or excessive ceremony; rather he went about doing the same exceptional job he has performed for 40 years. Take a minute to think about what you should celebrate today. www.coxwood.com
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