10 November 2009
Be a Little Delusional
Posted by Moss under: Business .
Not too long ago I had an interesting conversation with Sam Katz, entrepreneur, politician, and cinematographer. Sam ran for mayor as a Republican in Philadelphia three times and he never won. The last time a Republican was mayor was in 1950. No democratic has lost the mayor election for almost 60 years.
I asked Sam about what kept him going. Was it dedication? Vision? Arrogance? Lack of creativity? Fight? Why would he run for mayor? Why even be a Republican?
“I think it helps to be a little delusional, not a lot, just a little. You need it to take the risks that make life interesting. If I only saw things objectively or realistically, I probably wouldn’t have dome some of the things I did.”
Being a “little delusional” may be helpful in creating or maintaining a long-term partnership that works. Partnerships take work, patience, appreciation, forgiveness, and trust. Straight talk, goal negotiation skills, problem solving, and generosity all help.
My partner, Bruce Miller, and I have been partners since 1972. We never signed papers even though lawyers advised us to do it. We shook hands in 1972 after eating lunch at Hymies Deli in Bala Cynwood, PA. It was there that we shared a mutual vision that we would create a Boutique Center for Psychological Services for the Main Line Community. We would help our clients create solutions for everyday problems. We viewed our clients as healthy people stuck in life’s confusions. Our mission would be to free them up to create great lives. Almost forty years and we’re still doing just that. For me, Sam was right. Life is more interesting when you’re a little delusional.
Bottom Line
• Don’t worry so much about being right.
• Try being a “little delusional.”
