Pete - and the Magic Bowling Ball

I was junior Air Force Medical Service Corps officer and a pretty raw, AFIT sponsored grad student resident in the Medical College of Virginia Health Care Administration program. The residency was a 10-month program and I, being on active duty, was completing mine at Malcolm Grow Medical Center on Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. Colonel John Gildner (RIP) was my preceptor although my most active day-to-day advisor was the Associate Administrator.

The Associate and I also participated on one of the Center's bowling teams. My first time there, I was searching the house racks for a suitable bowling ball with little luck. Being left-handed, this was a common occurrence for me as the balls are typically drilled for right-handers.  The Associate...noticing my predicament and, also being left-handed, kindly offered to let me use his personal bowling ball that was custom drilled.  I took him up on the offer and promptly bowled what I believe was my first 200+ game ever.  When we finished for the evening, I borrowed the Associate's ball again and took it to the counter where I asked the clerk to make me a ball just like it..."exactly like it if possible."

Years, and a handful of bowling leagues went by and that was the last time I ever bowled 200 or better - even using the custom ball I affectionately called "Pete."  "Best laid plans...." right?!

The Associate had a great laugh and an "attack the day" sort of style I appreciated - even though he often spoke of leaving the Medical Service Corps he seemed to really enjoy his work. (I didn't realize he was probably joking about leaving.) He ended up remaining with the Air Force and later became the second Medical Service Corps officer to be promoted to Brigadier General.  

Thank you again for the loan General!

Management 101 note:  Early on in my residency, Colonel Gildner called me into his office and chewed me out like there was no tomorrow.  I forget what it was for but it was the first and last time in over 50 work years I had/have ever been chewed out like that.  Then, at the end of my residency he called me something that again hasn't happened, before or after; a "great man." Finally, as a parting gift, he gave me a copy of "The Go-Getter."  Here's a synopsis:

"It's a straightforward parable about a young war veteran who's handed an opportunity that will either make or break his career. If he accepts the job and pulls it off, he's a go-getter; if he fails, it's curtains. The kid's motto-"It shall be done"-sums up Kyne's point: even if you're unsure, say you can do it. Then figure out how to do it and make sure you succeed. Go above and beyond."

The message worked well for me, beyond my 24-year Air Force retirement at the tender age of 41 and through my subsequent 30-odd consulting years; first, with Schubert Associates and then with my own firm, Campbell Health Management, Inc.  Along the way, I found most consultants shared the same basic principle; If someone asks if you can do something, just say "yes." (Get the engagement then if you or someone on your staff can't do it, find and vet someone who can...under your umbrella.)  You'll figure it out from there.  Sure it doesn't always work but it is a hell of a ride, even if the bowling ball isn't "Magic."