Going abroad

Joan and I just returned from 18 fascinating days in Europe visiting four countries and thoroughly enjoying the company of countless numbers of people so I wanted to post this brief note to once again encourage younger and older people to study, work or visit abroad.

Learning to navigate on your own but seeking help when needed from very kind people you find everywhere is only one of the many benefits from such sojourns. Trying to or actually speaking others’ native languages, enjoying food other than what you regularly eat, forgetting about the exchange rate, washing clothes often and, perhaps most importantly, understanding how and why people live differently than we do are but a few of the numerous joys of being abroad.

Recently, I have published articles about execution—how some businesses are much more successful in implementing their business plans than others—so I was fascinated by what I learned from the Germans and the Swiss to mention only a couple of examples. I plan to write more on this topic in the days ahead.

A final word: if you have some money you can share, please consider donating to the school of your choice to enhance opportunities for their students to study and travel abroad. It is an investment with innumerable returns!

The University of Michigan alumni magazine published my review on the inspired leadership of Jiffy Mix's Howard and Howdy Holmes

The summer 2014 issue of the Michigan alumnus magazine published my leadership comments on Chelsea Milling's (Jiffy Mix) former and current CEOs.

Here is the post if you'd like to read it:     Learning to Lead

The late Howard Sumner Holmes taught me a lot about leadership. The 1937 Michigan graduate was CEO of the family-owned Chelsea Milling Company in Michigan, which makes the delicious

Jiffy Mix products. During the course of nearly a decade of listening to, observing, and learning from him, I came to realize that being a leader means more than just being in charge. In fact, a true leader: 

• Has a genuine affinity for people.

• Ensures there is no disparity between what you say and what you do and that trust is everything. 

• Does what’s right for both employees and customers. 

• Isn’t afraid to have a wonderful sense of humor.

• Recognizes employees who take pride in their work and always remembers to celebrate their successes. 

• Has an uncanny ability to communicate, both clearly and respectfully.

Today, Howard’s son, Howdy Holmes, leads Chelsea Milling and has helped grow the company significantly by using the principles his father taught me so long ago. The company enjoys a 65 percent share in the retail muffin category and is expanding into commercial and institutional markets as well. Clearly, both men have not been afraid to go extra innings.

Ritch K. Eich, PhD’77, is an executive, retired Navy captain, and author of “Leadership Requires Extra Innings” and “Real Leaders Don’t Boss”. He has served on numerous boards of directors, including for the Alumni Association.

Medical Association Publishes Review of LEADERSHIP REQUIRES EXTRA INNINGS

My sincere thanks go to Amy Ellwood and Wade Goal of the University of Nevada School of Medicine for their thoughtful and most complimentary review of my latest book, Leadership Requires Extra Innings.

If you wish to read their book review, please visit www.absame.org.  My gratitude is also extended to the Association for the Behavioral Sciences and Medical Education.