The Power of Understanding Yourself

Chapter 2 Locus of Control You Are the Winemaker

Wine makes a man more pleased with himself. I do not say it makes him more pleasing to others.

– Samuel Johnson

“Life is like stew.”

Admittedly, this was an odd way to begin a conversation with a colleague seeking counsel from me – their human resources executive – about a problem at work. Those who had heard the story before, and there were many, knew that this was how I responded to individuals complaining about the petty annoyances that are common in our lives. In fact, I told the story so often that it became known simply as the “Stew Story.” It usually followed an employee sharing a grievance about a coworker, a manager, or a customer. They were frustrated about an irritating behavior or an unexpected life circumstance that had complicated their day. Most of the time, our employee-relations manager, who was infinitely more patient with the process than me, handled these conversations. That was precisely why I had hired Dee Dee Bracewell – to protect the employees from me. I was a more directive counselor. Pity the poor employee who chose Dee Dee’s day off to air their grievance. After they shared their concern about their schedule, I would begin.

“Life is like stew.”

“Stew has broth and chunks of beef, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Life is the same. Most times you find yourself scooting through the broth … easy peazy. It’s smooth sailing, moving through that broth. Then, all of a sudden and with no warning, you run into ...