Why do we avoid conflict? It's easier in the short run. We like to be liked. We feel bad when we hurt people's feelings. We hate having our feelings hurt. We need to protect our feelings. We don't want to stir the nest. We can still get around the issue and have a more pleasant environment.
Are long term relationships at work and/or home successful because we let things go? Is it easier to accept things as they are rather than changing them?
Even as leaders we struggle with these questions. We say we pick our battles, keep perspective, prioritize the issues we want to confront and solve.
I look at our President and question our foreign policy, yet keep coming back to the above questions and understand why conflicts need to be confronted.
What do they say- "let sleeping dogs lay". Well, that is only true if that dog doesn't prove to be a threat to our life and liberty once awakened. Do we let terrorists bent on our destruction, assemble, train, buy arms, bomb our cities, our ships and our embassies? Of course not, action needs to be taken and our country certainly has.
In our own lives we are constantly met with potential conflicts. Most we avoid since the consequences of confrontation are greater than the cost of avoidance. But, many of the conflicts need to be confronted, since the long term costs of avoidance are resentment, distrust and unhappiness. The question then becomes how do we handle conflict. How do we confront conflict and assure a resolution that will enhance rather than destroy a relationship?
In my next blog, I will discuss conflict management and the lessons I have learned the hard way and the lessons I am still learning to this very day.

I’m excited about what’s happening at Saval's two operating entities. Despite the doom and gloom about the economy, we continue to do the right things in growing our business. While increased energy and food costs negatively impact consumer decisions on eating away from home, there are opportunities for Saval’s two operating companies that should pay big dividends. First, if consumers eat out less they will be buying more at the grocery store, hence helping grow our business at the major grocery chains we serve. Second, if consumers who do go out decide to spend less, they may decide to go to California Tortilla instead of TGI Fridays, or eat pizza instead of shrimp. Again, many of our customers are carry-outs, delis, diners and pizza shops that cater to this consumer value proposition. Third, the upscale segment we have had recent success at penetrating is largely recession proof, as wealthy and older consumers still eat out and spend. And, fourth, many of our customers buy from the big three national distributors and Saval, so there are many opportunities to pick up additional items for customers looking for alternative suggestions in maintaining profitability. If we continue to work harder, with integrity, and provide value to our customers we can continue to grow our business even in tough times.

Conscious Business

I am excited to have the opportunity to better the lives of the people I work with, while working on making myself a better person and leader at the same time. I have become a devotee of the principles set forth in Fred Kofman's book "Conscious Business". To date we have had all of our senior leaders read the book and have followed up with discussions, email summaries and presentations to reinforce and practice his teachings. We are now ready to share Conscious Business with our next set of managers and the future leaders of our company. Our senior managers are taking on the task of mentoring our next group of "learners" over the next year through a similar process of reading, discussing, practicing and reinforcing. Our goal is to continue to develop the unique culture we have here at Saval through the personal development of our people in going to the work place with integrity and responsibility, trusting their fellow employees in an environment of honesty and authenticity, so that we can communication, negotiate and share commitments in creating "success beyond success" in both our work and life. My excitement comes from the shared commitment of my senior managers to take on the humbling task of facing their own personal truths and in helping others face theirs, resulting in a very special place here at Saval Foods.

How will consumer's respond?

Every day seems to bring more daunting economic news. Fuel costs have reached unprecedented levels, loans are scarce, food prices have skyrocketed, houses won't sell, and stock prices fall almost every day. As the economy spirals downward, how will the consumer respond? Will we cut expenses, drive less, go out to dinner less, buy only what we absolutely need? My theory is that for the typical middle class consumer whose job is relatively secure, little will change. If companies start to sputter and unemployment begins to rise then job insecurity will lead to drastic changes in consumer behavior. Until then, in my opinion, there is a tolerance for rising prices and a slumping housing market. Our economy had a good run for 5 years, it's time for a leveling off, even time for a slump. For the next few years, we will see a glimpse of reality- things run in cycles, good balances bad. That's the way the world turns. We'll be just fine.

Paul's Rules of Courtesy

There are a couple of things that I think are just common courtesy. First, answer your phone and emails within 24 hours. Now blind solicitations are the exception, but if you know the person call or message them back. Second, cell voice mails should not be full. If you really don't want to talk to someone, its better for them to leave you an unanswered message then for them to have to call multiple times with no assurance to receive a callback. Third, if you arrive or leave the office for the day and pass by someone's office, say hello or good bye. It really won't bother the person on the receiving end even if they are busy, it will make them feel good that you care. Fourth, when you make a mess, clean it up. This is for the coffee drinkers who unintentionally spill, but intentionally don't clean up. Fifth, (and I'm getting better at this) when you pass someone in the hall always acknowledge with a smile or friendly hello. And lastly, if you expect to have a conversation, don't start it on email. Have a great day!

End of Year Message

Since my last posting I've has had my mind elsewhere. I have spend alot of time at home with my wife recovering from surgery and my sons coming home after their semesters in college. Now that I have caught up on some of my work, I thought I'd share some ideas on end of year reflection.
To me the end of each year brings another birthday, end of year spending decisions, budgeting for the next year and reflections on my life which culminate in resetting short term goals. My goals always consist of personal, family, business and "Big" idea goals. This year I met all of my short term goals despite a 2007 filled with personal and professional challenges. On balance, I maintained focus and with the help of family, friends and business associates, I learned alot about myself and will use the lessons learned in 2007 to be a better person in 2008.
I look forward to 2008 with renewed energy and enthusiasm despite the doom and gloom portrayed by the press. As individuals and businesses living in a free society, we own such a small slice of life, that each of us has such an opportunity to make a difference, albeit small. So, if I can have one wish for my family and yours, it is that 2008 be filled with much health and accomplishment towards a life filled with happiness and success.

Congratulations to the People of Venezuala

Today is a great day for democracy in the Americas. The brave people of Venezuala, many of whom love their leader, understood that democracy is more important than any one person. Chavez took a gamble to secure his role as dictator for life and lost. To his credit he allowed democracy to work. Let's hope for the sake of the people of Venezuala and South America, that he does not try to pull any other stunts. His people have been empowered and their leader is now in check. Hopefully, the Russians will learn this powerful lesson and follow suit in reigning in the power of Putin.