On 9/11 we were all collectively hit – but how you deal with this blow is what separates the “men from the boys”. Either you lay down on the canvas, beaten and afraid to get up, or you spring back up with a heightened awareness and strength, determined to beat defeat! The latter became the thundering theme of this year’s benchmarking on April 15^th. Both from the presenters’ side, highlighted by ConEdison and New York City Transit, who were at Ground Zero, and from the attendees’ perspective, who heard their stories. I could fill a book on their awe inspiring reactions. Some of these quotes appear in both this and the previous issue of Mind Matters.

Now I would like to spotlight Paul Williams of Paul Williams & Associates. Paul was an international administration officer for five years, dealing with UNICEF and United Nations development programs. Paul and his associates provide seminars and speaking engagements for universities, schools, churches and service organizations (I.e. Kiwanis).

Paul said, “If I had been able to attend the benchmarking session thirty years ago, I would’ve been able to better serve the city and state government, federal and international organizations I have been working with. And I really do believe that all of these agencies would benefit greatly from process too!”

He expressed, “This was a great learning experience for me and well worth my trip from Silver Springs, Maryland. I learned how to learn from various presenters.” Paul went on, “From what I read in The BrainSmart Leader, combined with the infusion of tools of thinking and mind mapping at the benchmarking, it continues to help me in my dealings with the government and its’ intricate ‘process’. This was all invaluable to me!”

Paul continued, “I found the ConEd presentations’ focus on union and management negotiations to serve the common good via process most stimulating…and the NYCT cost savings segment quite remarkable. The Holiday Inn story, as delivered by host Tony Dottino, really got to me because it showed how quality of service, time saving and cost efficiency can be achieved simultaneously when addressed properly.” Paul also gave a special accolade to Tony Buzan, “He tickled my brain!” Thanks, Paul, for your keen perception.

On behalf of the attendees I would like to give special kudos to Bill Donahue, Mary Jane McCartney, Bill Grogan, Alan Homyk, Al Muzikar, John Sugrue, Mysore Nagaraja, Regina Gramola, The Specialty teams from ConEdison and New York City Transit and Marshall Tarley. (HUGE applause!!!) Now stand up and take a bow!‡