360 Group encouraged to encourage others
by October 5, 2009 11:29 am 73 views
story by Linda Kaufenberg
A former Wal-Mart vice president encouraged those attending a recent leadership series that to do more to encourage others/
The second in the 360 Leadership Series was held Thursday at Hardscrabble Country Club with about 125 in attendance. Speaking at the event was Maxie Carpenter, who retired as vice president-people division at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. after 27 years with the company.
A group of graduate business alumni from the JBU-Fort Smith have organized the 360 Leadership Series. The mission of the organization is to provide professional development and networking opportunities for professionals in the Fort Smith region.
Carpenter is an accomplished public speaker and an authority on the subject of corporate culture, according to information provided by 360. He specializes in values-based working relationships, and is the author of “I Didn’t Ask You to Dance! I Asked You to Talk!” The book is a humorous, common sense, and at times spiritual approach to communication in a world stressed with political correctness.
Carpenter spoke on “The Path to Integrity (The Path Less Traveled),” noting that integrity is a “worn-out word.”
“One thing that was missing in the introduction, is I work very hard in encouraging people. I love helping people and help them decide what obstacles are holding them back. Many times it is themselves,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter said all are vulnerable when making decisions and bad decisions affect everyone. He suggested putting aside personal feelings and reach out to people who are hurting.
“Even the smallest decision can have make a profound difference,” he added. “Imagine what it would be like if your life was lived out in headlines?”
Carpenter defined marketing as putting yourself out there so much that when someone has a problem that you service, they will think of you.
He cautioned the luncheon crowd to not underestimate the value of continuing education.
“Baby boomers are understanding this as now there is a new way of thinking and doing things,” Carpenter noted.