Several years ago I went to work for Electronic Data Systems (EDS), the company founded by Ross Perot. Shortly before I got there, a well-known consulting firm had just completed an audit of operations to improve the company's performance. As a result of this high-priced study, EDS had posted bronze plaques in high traffic areas inscribed with three guiding principles, which employees were encouraged to adopt. Number one on the list was this: "Help one another."
'Uh-oh', I said to myself. 'This company is in real trouble if people need to be reminded of that!'
Cities, towns and communities like Cheyenne can learn a lot from this scenario.It should go without saying that helping each other is a necessity for any successful entity. Those that adhere to it prosper; those who fail to suffer.
Sadly, the "help each other" admonition came to late for Perot's company. EDS continued to falter and was gobbled up by Hewlett-Packard. It no longer exists. Chalk it up to a hard lesson learned for corporate America.
Still, people everywhere can learn from the EDS experience. In Laramie County, United Way helps approximately one out of every three people. On Tuesday, September 17, you will have the opportunity to see up-close and in-person how this assistance benefits our fellow citizens. The LIVE UNITED Expo at the Holiday Inn from 9 am - 1 pm will give people the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from the agencies that feed, house, clothe, educate, protect, and improve the quality of life for hundreds of families and thousands of individuals who live here.
This is a first-time event. More than 25 agencies will be on hand, and they want to meet you.
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