Everyone loves a good story. Particularly one that will make you laugh. Somehow, in today’s world, the art of story-telling, isn’t what it used to be. There is nothing more engaging at a dinner party than a good story. And, as my wife accuses me of quite often, you don’t need to let a few facts get in the way of a good story.
The best stories are about people. Stories about people that other people can connect with. The following story is about a guy that had self-doubt. At one time or another we all have had self-doubt. It is also about how sometimes self-doubt snowballs in your mind. Amazingly, with a little, very simple, good advice, something that seemed insurmountable can become insignificant.
Several years ago, Ron Iles, my college roommate, called me up and said he knew someone that I had to meet. He told me that he coached his daughter’s softball team with this guy and that my father had changed his life. Well that certainly got my attention.
My dad was a college dean and had the chance to make an impact on quite a few people. I remember thinking at his funeral where lots of people attended, that as an educator my dad was lucky to have touched so many. Me on the other hand, being in business working for Kraft Foods, I doubt there will be many to show up at my funeral. What are they going to say about me: “I remember Paul Kenny, he was the guy that screwed me out of few cents a pound on the price of Velveeta”.
A few months after Ron’s call, I was in NY on business and made arrangements to meet with Ron and his friend Bill Robinson, who my dad was able to help out. After ordering dinner I asked Bill how my dad had changed his life. Bill explained that he was freshman in college and was on the verge of flunking out. It was during the Vietnam Nam era and Bill was questioning his ability. Whether he was smart enough to be in college.
After flunking a class, Bill was required to meet with the dean, my dad. This was where my dad gave the life changing advice. After introductions my dad asked Bill what course he had failed? Bill told him History 101. My dad laughingly said, the solution is simple, take the class again. Well Bill did take it again and did well and went on to a successful academic and business career.
The irony of the story and maybe the reason my dad laughed, was that I was a history major in college. If his slacker of a son could pass History, anybody could. The ironies abound as my dad once advised me that whatever you do in life don’t go into education. Complaining that “Everyone in this family is a teacher. Someone has to make money”. As a dean at a business school he told me that: “I see all these business guys who aren’t that smart, making all kinds of money”. His point, even you can do well. I went on to get an MBA, did ok in business, but my dad will win the funeral headcount competition.
Dad was also the master of dinner party Story telling. He could also tell a good joke. Back in the day, before the internet, when people actually told jokes, dad was a master. He also had a rule that he never used profanity. He would have loved jokes like these:
- A man called his mother in Florida. “Mom, how are you?” ”Not too good,” said the mother. “I’ve been very weak.” The son said, “Why are you so weak?” She said, “Because I haven’t eaten in 38 days.” The son said, “That’s terrible. Why haven’t you eaten in 38 days?” The mother answered, “Because, I didn’t want my mouth to be full in case you should call.”
- A Jewish man said that when he was growing up, they always had two choices for dinner – Take it or leave it.
- A Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his mother he has a part in the play. She asks, “What part is it?” The boy says, “I play the part of the Jewish husband. “The mother scowls and says, “Go back and tell the teacher you want a speaking part.”
A good story that people can connect with will always be a hit at a supper club dinner party. Throw in a little humor and a bottle of good wine and you will have good evening.
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