Measuring Success In Other Ways

When I was an undergraduate at the University of San Diego, a theology professor used an analogy to explain God’s existence which has stayed with me for the past ten years.  Since then, I have used the analogy to explain God’s existence to my church youth group.  Simply put, there is not a single, definitive piece of evidence that proves God’s existence, but rather numerous pieces that when combined together, present a strong argument, like a strong cable which consists of multiple wires.  After experiencing Mondragon, listening to the different speakers on what makes Mondragon successful, and learning about the different cooperatives, I realized that this analogy can also be used to describe Mondragon in two ways.  Firstly, instead of measuring success solely in monetary terms, Mondragon’s success can be expressed in a “bundle” of aspects: length of time, number of employees, social impact, the culture, sales, profits, number of cooperatives, etc.  Secondly, the analogy illustrates how cooperation works: the worker-owners are grouped within the numerous cooperatives to create Mondragon Corporation, thus representing the strength of cooperation like the strength of a bridge cable.  This analogy came to mind as I listened to the questions and comments from classmates as well as friends on how the cooperative model can be successful.

Focusing solely on one factor, such as financial success, ignores the multi-faceted nature of humans.  I had begun realizing this in recent years; that income was not a measure of a person’s worth, and that positions or titles did not make one individual better than another.  The Mondragon experience gave me concrete terms and examples of how success can be measured in other ways such as social impact, relationships, and adaptability.  I intend to take share this perspective with my students so that they can understand that a person’s self-worth is more than their paycheck.  I hope that, instead of chasing high paying jobs they hate, these young adults can find a career they love while also contributing to society.  I’ve recently been revising clients’ resumes to transition them from high paying jobs, into new professions they are passionate about.  If my students can figure out their dream job sooner rather than later, then I will be happy.  As Father Arizmendiarrieta of Mondragon aptly wrote, “What is a human being? An imperfect being. A perfectible being. A being whose destiny is not to contemplate but to transform.  To transform oneself, to transform all around us” (2000, p.33).  Thus it is through teaching, that I have the opportunity to transform.

Drink Cooperatively

I am currently in Basque Country (in Spain) learning about the Mondragon Corporation. One fun experience so far is how Basque people practice cooperativism even in their socializing–a pub crawl. Each person puts in 5 euros to an appointed money manager, and the party goes from bar to bar getting wine and beer tastings (the serving size is a full glass) along with tapas. The money manager handles the payment while everyone enjoys their drinks and food. This continues until the money runs out. More money contributed means more bars the group can visit. With our initial 5 euros, we were able to visit 3 bars.

Aside from the eating and drinking, socializing in this cooperative manner sets aside people’s socio-economic status (income, class, job, etc.) Everyone is equal in this space.

It was a lot of fun and an easy way to learn and practice a bit of cooperativism with old and new friends. I got to practice some of my high school Spanish with a Mondragon retiree and discuss my research with a faculty member from the Mondragon business school.

A fun pub crawl is one creative way I can teach cooperativism to my friends… The next time we go bar hopping in San Diego. Stay thirsty my friends.  Remember to drink responsibly! And cooperatively!

Book Review: Oh Myyy! (There Goes the Internet)

I was interested in reading George Takei’s book because he discusses how he grew his social media presence (while I’m just starting out mine in this blog).  Like his Facebook page, George uses photos in his book (I have the Kindle version) to illustrate his points. He points out that posting funny images on  Facebook results in more likes and shares than posts without images; I can see how images in his actual book make reading it more enjoyable and something that can be shared (which I ended up showing to a few friends).

The book is very humorous and as I was reading I felt like I could hear Uncle George’s voice narrating in my head.  Chapters aren’t too long, and focus on a specific topic like Twitter, Facebook, science fiction, the apocalypse, and bacon (yes, bacon!)  George also talks about certain celebrities he does not agree with (or those who do not agree with him), such as his disappointment with then-Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto on the California same-sex marriage bill or Gilbert Gottfried’s antagonistic tweeting.  He discusses some of the frustrating aspects of sharing one’s life on social media such as dealing with trolls, Grammar Nazis, and George Fakei (an online impostor).

Other general highlights I enjoyed:

• Learning more about George’s activism, although he noted that some of his fans prefer him to stay on the lighter, funnier side of things.
• The story behind his “Happy Dance” which can be seen here.
• Demystifying how Facebook and EdgeRank works (like why I can’t see all posts by people I am following, including George’s page.)

Overall, the book is honest and sincere, as well as entertaining.  George provides  helpful insights into building one’s online presence, funny stories about himself, and some of his key successes with social media and activism.  Inspiring and fun to read.  I’d love to meet George someday and have him sign my Kindle cover (right next to Grace Lee Boggs and Edgar Schein).