Introduction

MICHAEL BUSH LEANED on the edge of a table in front of one of our classes in Personal Creativity in Business at Stanford University and began to tell his story.

He started on a happy note. An alumnus of Stanford as well as the course, he is now president of Tetra Tech Wireless. Then he gave us a little background: After completing his master’s degree, he became chief operating officer of a fast-growing high-technology firm. He is married and has two sons, and his wife is the chief technology officer of another company.

His company was a great place to work. It promoted high values and personal development for its employees. Company retreats featured outdoor events and generated an exciting atmosphere that supported trust, community and creativity. Word-of-mouth brought top talent to the door—people knew this was a great place to work.

Then the industry took a downturn. Michael’s company lost business as more and more companies replaced its services with in-house departments. He was in trouble.

“I’d look into the mirror in the morning,” he confesses, “and say to myself, ‘You’re going out of business!’ Some nights I’d come home and my wife would know to keep the boys away from me.”

He admits at times he despaired. When he was really low, he even cursed his courses at Stanford—including the one on personal creativity. But through it all, his sense of the highest goal would snap him back into focus.

He remembered that the highest goal for him translated into one word: Teacher. He got energy and felt a connection with something higher when he was teaching in the broadest sense. He knew that he could serve others if he drew on this strength. He knew that if he stayed in a giving, generative, collaborative role, he could navigate the worst situation and create a meaningful life.

Having profound faith in himself and his highest goal, he slowly turned things around.

He persevered through the stuff of COO nightmares. He took drastic measures, laying off ninety percent of the workforce. He rallied those who remained, and their values and high level of trust carried them through adversity. Inspired by his resolve, his people pulled together to reinvent the company.

Within a year the streamlined company began to grow as it served a completely different client base. Within two years, it was the industry leader, and its stock rose accordingly. Eventually the company merged with Tetra Tech, and Michael became the president of the resulting division.

Through it all, he stayed true to the principles of this book: He drew strength from his highest goal. He ended his talk to us by describing a full and well-rounded life. He goes home promptly for dinner virtually every night. He participates in community activities. He teaches in a nearby college in addition to his company duties. His wife continues in her CTO position at another company, but has negotiated a shorter workweek. Everyone in the family has grown as a result of the experience.

Of course, life will continue to happen. New challenges come up all the time. Even when, like Michael Bush, you know your highest goal and the best ways to move toward it, you must cope with life’s surprises. None of the stories in this book are about living happily ever after. Instead, they are about living with more strength, perspective, peace and excitement.