Book Club

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3 Ideas to Help Interpret the News

Given the current crisis we find ourselves in, I have been spending a lot of time-consuming news. I have also have observed many perfunctory comments about the news, especially as COVID-19 attempts to take-over our lives. So, given that we all have a little more time on our hands, here are 3 ideas to help interpret what is going on right now (i.e. what we normally refer to as “the news”).

First off, if you take nothing else from this post please understand that every news outlet has bias. Every human being, myself included, has a bias. This does not necessarily make the news “fake,” but it could be “spun” to suit someone’s worldview. This is why interpreting the news is important.

My news outlet of choice, the Wall Street Journal, is probably best characterized as “right” economically” and “middle” socially. So, it is best that I read the news with the appropriate context in mind – more on that in point #2 below. Before going there, however, please consider that almost all “media” is FOR PROFIT and needs consumers to continue to exist (especially T.V. News stations, podcasts, and even newspapers). I do prefer newspapers because they are “slow news,” meaning reporters actually sit down, write, and are edited (most of the time) prior to the publishing deadline.

Second, check alternative sources. As I said above, my news choice is the Wall Street Journal. But I also sign up to the New York Times “daily briefing.” The NYT is, arguably, “left” of the WSJ, so I like to check in on what they have to say. This gives me more information to think about. If you prefer podcasts, there are thousands of pods out there. So, I’d challenge you to listen to one that makes you feel a little uncomfortable, rather than one that simply reinforces your bias.

Third, and here is where I probably differ from conventional advice given on this topic, I (rather passionately!) believe that one needs to be a student of history to interpret the news well. This means reading/listening to thoroughly researched historical books. I cannot emphasize this enough, and the fact that many Americans (adults and children) do not know much about our history is the one thing that makes me feel pessimistic about our future as a country. Thankfully, this can be easily changed. In fact, while you have extra time —and we all have extra time right now —I implore you to read one good history book. Just one! Start with a David McCullough book, or something else, it does not matter. Learning from the past, helps place current events in their appropriate context.

I have gone on long enough on this impromptu post. I implore you to remember media is biased. Chew on what you read, meaning think before you react. Think! Use your brain. And by all means, understand where we have come from, how we got here, and why it matters.

p.s. I am currently finishing up Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile. I highly recommend this to leaders during COVID-19. May we lead with the courage of Churchill!

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Book Club Tuesday – The Infinite Game

Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process.

Book: The Infinite Game

Author: Simon Sinek

Length: 272 pages / 6 hours and 56 minutes via Audible

3 takeaways: Leaders are not responsible for results; they are responsible for the people that are responsible for the results. A just cause is something a company or organization is FOR, not against. An infinite mindset is about staying in the game, being flexible to change in pursuit of the just cause, and having the courage to do so.

What I found Surprising:Competitors compete for customers; rivals look for followers.” This view coincides with my belief that we (Hoffer Plastics) have several “worthy rivals.” While these rivals might not embrace our just cause, that doesn’t mean we cannot learn from them. In other words, viewing them as “worthy rivals” does two things: First, it allows us to learn from them instead of dismissing them because they’re “rivals.” By learning, I don’t mean we copy what they are better at so we can beat them (a finite pursuit). Rather, we learn from them to become more effective in pursuing our just cause of improving the lives of others. The latter view is different because it is not about “beating” anyone. The business we run aims to be infinite, so there is no finish line. Further, a “worthy rival” is necessary because they will push us to become the best we can be.

As may already be apparent, the second feature of this worldview is that it frees us to cheer our “rivals” on instead of rooting for their demise. While this might sound like the kind of things one is “supposed” to write, it isn’t. It simply is because our just cause – Hoffer Plastics exists to enhance the lives of people through manufacturing – is not only unattainable on our own, it is unattainable in this lifetime. People will always need their lives enhanced. So, while “manufacturing” practices will, over time, change, this cause will not. Nor will it ever be met.

A few words on Culture: Sometimes I read books that I suspect my father might roll his eyes at, but I don’t think this is one of them. The stories told by those who knew my grandfather all seem to revolve around his pursuit of enhancing the lives of others. So, while he founded a company that manufactured injection-molded parts, its core DNA has always been around serving people (customers, suppliers, team members, community, etc.). In hindsight, this book made me realize that I never heard a single story growing up about grandpa being involved in an injection-molding breakthrough, yet as a kid I was in the audience when he was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame. Certainly, they don’t just let anyone into the Plastics Hall of Fame (no jokes!). Yet, I never heard these stories growing up, which in hindsight is so telling. For, what the company “did” was not as powerful as “who” it impacted. And to be sure, I heard countless stories about how Grandpa impacted team members, customers, community, etc. These stories keep coming to the surface long after his death. I even heard a new a one yesterday – November 4, 2019.

More Thoughts on Rivals: On a personal note, I struggle to this day to figure out who are “competitors” are. While I can list name of companies, we simply don’t fixate on them. Rather, we fixate on people. We do have a few “worthy rivals.” I can think of one in our bench-marking group that is so incredibly profitable it amazes me. Recently, they toured our plant and I think we both got better in the process. Don’t tell them, but I REALLY like them. On the other hand, we have a “worthy rival” in the spouted pouch space that typically comes to our booth at trade shows and tells us we, and all our products, suck. I am not making this up unfortunately. The funny thing is that not only have they have had a tremendous amount success worldwide; we have gotten better as a result of their good work. At trade shows, I don’t go to their booth because I know their products are already good. I also know that when they create something new, someone from their team will most likely come to tell us how much better it is than what we do. It may or may not be, but that isn’t the point. The point is that we are focused on our just cause. It is our mission. I would love for this “rival” to join THAT pursuit. They are invited, and there is always room for more to join. “Beating them,” however, is not what I am concerned about. It doesn’t get me out of bed. There is plenty of room for them and us. So, I wish them well.

Who Should Read this book? I don’t write this every week, but this is a must-read for just about everyone reading this blog.

“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate. You can’t coach, and you can’t lead.” Jim Mattis

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old books on shelf

Book Club Tuesday – Where the Crawdads Sing

Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process.

Book: Where the Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens

Length: 384 pages / 12 hours and 12 minutes via Audible

Why I chose to read it: This book profoundly moved my wife, Sarah, and she asked me to read it. I am including it on book club Tuesday to make the point that leaders should read FICTION in addition to non-fiction. Three benefits I have discovered about reading fiction are: It makes me a better story teller. It provides rest from the pursuit of self-improvement. It often teaches me something about life through the narrative.

My Takeaways (3 or less): I found my emotions wanting to do anything I could to protect Kya while reading this story. The more she was marginalized as the “marsh girl,” the more my compassion and empathy for the “other” grew. This growth makes this book impactful to my leadership. I suppose a final takeaway from this book was the reminder of the awesomeness of God’s creation, and how my soul is better when I am regularly in nature.

What does this book motivate me to DO? This book motivated me to tell more stories, give more to the poor, and spend more time in nature.

Who should read this book? Leaders that do not feel like they have time to read fiction. People that feel critical, or judgmental, about the poor.

I would sum my rating of the book as…The best fiction book I have read in 2019, but not the best I have read the last few years. If you have limited time for fiction, I would recommend The Nightingale, A Gentleman in Moscow, or All the Light We Cannot See first. Still, I highly recommend this book, fiction in general, and reading the books your wife asks you to read.

“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate. You can’t coach, and you can’t lead.” Jim Mattis

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old books on shelf

Book Club Tuesday – Extreme Ownership

Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process.

Book: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win

Author: Jocko Willink, Leif Babin

Length: 320 pages / 9 hours and 33 minutes via Audible

Why I chose to read it: I originally read this book in 2016 because it sounded like it was the ultimate authority on leadership accountability. Guess what? It is. Look in the mirror leaders. Stop blaming others and take ownership.

My Takeaways (3 or less): Chapter 2 –No Bad Teams, Only Bad Leaders –changed my entire view of leadership. Until reading this book, I looked at people as the problem. Since reading this book, I look at myself. This changed everything. Further, Chapter 10 –Leading Up and Down the Chain of Command –further opened my perspective to how impactful EVERYONE can be in our organization. As I write these words, we are getting ready to launch a project with a significant NEW customer because I listened to a sales tip from one of our maintenance apprentices. I can’t help but think this book played a role in shaping my willingness to follow down the chain of command.

What does this book motivate me to DO? Jocko and Leif fired me up something fierce. Not only do they motivate me to hit the gym as hard as I can at 5 a.m., they motivate me to stop making excuses, stop blaming others, and lead. The buck stops here. Own it!

Who should read this book? People that need a kick in the butt. In fact, don’t read this book if you aren’t going to put it to use. I’m sure the authors would be offended at that, so do don’t do it. Wussies need not apply!

I would sum my rating of the book as…One of my go-to leadership books. Whenever I am feeling down, or sorry for myself, I remember to take extreme ownership of the situation I am in. I also remember that I have an amazing team around me, and that like the Navy Seals, this is NOT a solo venture. Rather, we can “cover and move” (Chapter 5) together, and win.

Thank you to all who have served. You’re so stinking awesome. If you need a job, come to Hoffer Plastics.

“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate. You can’t coach, and you can’t lead.” Jim Mattis

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Book Club Tuesday – Digital Minimalism

Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process.

Book: Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World

Author: Cal Newport

Length: 304 pages / 6 hours and 59 minutes via Audible

Why I chose to read it: I read this book because life has become so digitized and I need to get a grip on what to do with all the digital inputs in my life.

My Takeaways (3 or less): Take more walks, extended time away from the phone, and prioritize communication over connection (in terms of social media –pick up the phone and talk instead of “connecting” online).

What does this book motivate me to DO? Take walks that allow me to think and get away from the constant digitization of life.

Who should read this book? People that are either curious about the impact digital inputs have in their life, or are serious about getting a better handle on them.

I would sum my rating of the book as…Convicting. I read this book months ago and it definitely had an impact on me at the time. It still does, although I do participate on various social platforms. Still, I feel it was a worthwhile and convicting read. I would only recommend it to people who are willing to suspend their disbelief as to how much digital inputs are impacting them…They are more impactful than you might suspect!

“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate. You can’t coach, and you can’t lead.” Jim Mattis

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old books on shelf

Book Club Tuesday – Never Split the Difference

Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process.

Book: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

Author:Chris Voss

Length: 274 pages / 8 hours and 7 minutes via Audible

Why I chose to read it: I was fascinated about negotiation, and felt like I was a lousy negotiator. I’ve continued reading this book yearly because it is the master class in negotiation!

My Takeaways (3 or less): Ask more questions. I have particularly found the question, “how am I supposed to do that?” helpful. I am also clearer on what I can live with in a negotiation. Some things are more valuable to the other side than they are to me.

What does this book motivate me to DO? Last summer, when I was reading this book again, I used some of these tactics with the Hertz Rental Car check-in person. I empathized with everything going on with them, and they failed to see how disgusting our minivan looked after a 10 day rental. In Europe, they would have charged me a 900 Euro cleaning fee (the fact that I just made that joke means my credit card will be charged 50 Euros).

Who should read this book? None of our customers. Did I mention it is a lousy negotiating book? The real answer is anyone that wants to better their negotiation skills. Thank God Sarah isn’t reading this post…

I would sum my rating of the book as…This book is a combination of learning and fun. The hostage stories in the first few chapters are always captivating, even on successive reads. While I am not as giddy on some of the later chapters, the overall book continues to hold a prominent place on my “re-read” Goodreads shelf.

“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate. You can’t coach, and you can’t lead.” Jim Mattis

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Book Club Tuesday

Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process.

Book: Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead

Author:Jim Mattis

Length: 320 pages / 12 hours and 1minute via Audible

Why I chose to read it: I read an exert of the book in the Wall Street Journal and felt like I HAD to read the rest of the book.

My Takeaways (3 or less): Hire people that take initiative. Do not talk poorly about your superiors. Build a coalition.

What does this book motivate me to DO? Simply TAKE ACTION!

Who should read this book? Anyone that considers themselves a leader. This is borderline “must read” material.

I would sum my rating of the book as…I often feel like I “should” read certain leadership books. This one morphed into I “get” to read this book. That’s a big difference for me. I put this in my “re-read” list because it motivated me to TAKE ACTION!

“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate. You can’t coach, and you can’t lead.” Jim Mattis

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