Lasting Lessons
we’d have a retreat, and they were silent retreats.
So when it was time to walk and think and meditate, we wandered to the cemetery to smoke.
There are things like that you can interject into
getting a quality education. But it was important
to get a quality education, and that we got. I’m
sure the students today are getting a quality education, but I wouldn’t want the distractions that
they have. I look at my daughter, who is an alum
here, too, and I see all the distractions she had,
which made it harder for her to do as well as she
probably could have.
My reflection would be: Do your best. Think
of why you are here. Where are you? You are at
an institution of higher learning, so let’s get to
learning, and let’s aim higher. u
Bill Small ’73
Bill Small is the President of First Federal Savings and
Loan. He resides in Defiance, Oh.
The “I”s In Team
One of the most significant lessons in life for
me has been the importance of teamwork in
successfully achieving my life’s goals. Having
been raised as one of 14 children probably was
responsible for instilling this in me at a very early
age. I have been fortunate throughout my life
to be part of many teams, including my family,
which has contributed to the successes in my life.
We have all heard the expression “there are no ‘I’s
in the word TEAM.” And while I cannot argue
about the spelling of the word “team,” I do know
there are a lot of “I” words that are very important to the team concept. This is my list of “I”
words I believe are part of any successful team:
Integrity – I know of no virtue more important
than integrity. If your teammates cannot put
their full trust in you, the ability of the team to
achieve success will be impaired.
Instinctive – Study, research and analysis are all
important steps in the decision process, but a
successful team knows when to rely on instinct
to accomplish a task.
Inspiration – A team that is inspired by its leader
and fellow teammates will reach the summit
more often than not.
10
2008 Annual President’s Report
“. . . I cannot argue about the spelling
of the word “team,” I do know there
are a lot of “I” words that are very
important to the team concept.”
— Bill Small ’73
Inquisitive – Asking questions and not being
afraid to challenge ideas are important step