Sir Winston Churchill: Advisor to STLE

Edward P. Salek, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report February 2018

Words from a giant of the last century can guide us through the challenges of 2018.
 

‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’
--Winston Churchill
© Can Stock Photo / Hagen411
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL, the British statesman and writer who died more than 50 years ago, has been back in the public spotlight thanks to portrayals in a popular television series (The Crown) and a hit movie (Darkest Hour).

Watching the latter reminded me that Churchill had the ability to “weaponize words,” most notably in 1940 when he was called to serve as prime minister. Great Britain appeared to have no choice but to surrender to Nazi Germany. Instead, Churchill found the right tone to rally the collective spirit, and England chose to fight despite a dire situation. The rest, as they say, is history.

Churchill’s body of rhetoric was more than inspirational. It’s also timeless. Many of the things he wrote and said still offer wit, wisdom and guidance to those in the 21st Century. They even can fit the context of STLE’s mission of supporting people who want to connect, learn and achieve in the tribology and lubricants business. Let me share five Churchill quotes and humbly offer up an explanation of how each holds meaning for those of us facing work and life challenges in 2018.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” STLE, like many other organizations, benefits from contributions by hundreds of volunteers. They support content-based activities—such as the Annual Meeting—and leadership tasks like the board of directors. Giving back to the profession through volunteerism provides personal satisfaction as well as professional rewards and recognition. It turns a job into a career. We appreciate all of our volunteers and encourage others to experience the power of making a life by what you give.

“I never worry about action, but only inaction.” Stated in contemporary terms, this means encouraging people to take risks with projects by giving them “permission to fail.” Organizations where playing it safe is the dominant operating philosophy usually find themselves losing ground to the competition. STLE has taken Churchill’s advice to heart and adopted a mindset that seeks opportunities within the framework of a bold strategic plan. Expect to see action around many new initiatives in 2018.

“Personally I’m always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.” Part of that strategic plan is a commitment to provide the tribology and lubricants community with an expanding selection of continuing professional development opportunities. STLE’s goal is to be the primary lifelong learning resource for a community of people and organizations who recognize that being “always ready to learn” is a distinct competitive advantage. 

“If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time—a tremendous whack.” Churchill clearly knew how to make his point with a tremendous whack. Anyone giving a presentation or writing an article will do well to take a similar approach. Have a point to make and then drive it home without hesitation. This is the standard of excellence STLE seeks to provide our members in publications like TLT or in technical presentations and education courses.

“Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.” Above all else, STLE is the place where men and women share what they have discovered or learned in their daily work. One of our newest membership services are the Learning Pathways that are available on www.stle.org. The Learning Pathways make it possible to “come easily by” the vast body of knowledge that STLE has curated from more than 70 years of labor by tribology and lubricant professionals. Take Sir Winston’s advice and “employ your time” with this new resource. 

Churchill also was skilled at balancing profound and inspiring thoughts with a dry sense of humor. There is perhaps no better example than his comment when presented with an official government report. He said, “This report, by its very length, defends itself against the risk of being read.”

Here’s hoping this month’s column overcame that risk!
 

You can reach Certified Association Executive Ed Salek at esalek@stle.org.