Comments

Best wishes to you and yours Tom.

Anyone wanting to help those less fortunate should take action now and visit http://www.live8live.com/live8/userprofile/keepintouch.do to sign up for Live 8 and MakePovertyHistory.

From there you'll be asked for your name, not your money, on messages and reminders to the G8 nations; urging them to keep the promises they made at this year's G8 conference.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year...

Posted by Stewart Rogers at December 22, 2005 10:41 AM

Thomas,

My best holiday wishes to you, your family, and everybody at the Tom Peters Company.

And of course, to all the "comment contributors" that make Tom's blog even more enjoyable.

Take care.

Gabriel S.

PS: you don't mind if I call you Thomas every now and then, do you?

Posted by Gabriel Salcido at December 22, 2005 12:04 PM

Tom -
Thanks for such a thoughtful and heartfelt post - tho I suppose they all are, aren't they? None the less, this one in particular really struck a chord and reminded me of the importance of being thankful... and mindful of the needs of others.

Peace,
Dan

Posted by Dan at December 22, 2005 1:29 PM

Tom,

I want to express my appreciation for this wonderful site; your hard work and the work of your team have made tompeters site a personal and inspiring experience. I want to wish you, your family and all members/readers of tompeters.com a Merry Christmas and best wishes this coming New Year 2006.

Sincerely

Luis F. Velasco

Posted by Luis at December 22, 2005 1:41 PM

A provocative Christmas card, Tom. Appreciated and not unexpected! We're glad for your health. The best of everything to you and your loved ones this Christmas and in the New Year.

Posted by Ed Di Gangi at December 22, 2005 2:58 PM

hey tom and all at tompeters.com

Happy Holidays to you and yours !!

p.s tom: fyi, i rated 60 as my best book of the yr !!

Posted by /pd at December 22, 2005 3:22 PM

happy holidays tompeter =D

Posted by crazyshame at December 22, 2005 4:53 PM

To Dear Tom & everyone @ TP.com

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Happy Holidays!

Posted by K.Sriram at December 22, 2005 8:42 PM

>Enjoy the season of rejoicing, and at least for the Christians among us, think long & hard about the beliefs concerning the needy that the guy whose birthday is coming up pronounced upon so passionately.
-------

Beyond 'season' and 'Christian' there's more we can all do on a year-round basis - assuming of course, that we genuinely subscribe to the view that 'fair and decent' is not some quaint old hippy notion.

'The degradation of others is also our degradation - and the triumph over ignorance and predjudice is a triumph for us all', we can all help. Sure, whilst we live in a screwed-up world about which as individuals we can do little, that doesn't mean we can't (and shouldn't) do what we can.

A large part of 'the problem' isn't that we don't have any power, but that we too often don't use that which we have. 'Do something worthwhile', there's many sensible ways in which we can all help shape a better world. With a lot of 'stuff to get huff about' (causes worth supporting), there's much we can do (inform ourselves, tell others, join/start a group, donate money/other) to become practical activists. 'Practical activists'.... hhhmmm, I like that. Any takers?

Trevor's point of 'we all exist on one planet' is vital - and sadly, too many simply 'exist' - barely getting by. Time for real change, didn't someone once opine 'we can live together as brothers, or perish as fools'?

And, that 'planet' is getting smaller - if we're using technology to aid our commercial efforts, don't we have the obligation to also use it for stuff which doesn't personally benefit us financially?

So yeah, 'live, love laugh - smile, say thanks and help those who need it... it is indeed a wonderful life'.

Posted by gulliver at December 23, 2005 3:20 AM

tom...on your "rant" that we're spoiled brats - (i) we are and (ii) others to this post have well covered that issue.

i've always believed a good hissy fit is healthy, for us individually and the organizations we lead. it (i) allows us to get what's eating at us out of our system and (ii) by the time it does explode out we've likely been walking around with it long enough to have developed a passionate and well thoughtout point of view...although up to that point we probably don't know it (or we know we're getting ready for a good blow off and it scares the living hell out of us). then it suddenly comes out and after the dust settles a few others who feel the same way come over and tell us "it" (whatever "it" is) has been bugging them too and they're thankful somebody finally said something.

Daily hissy fits are meaningless, but when they come from otherwise well-behaved leaders they're very powerful, because they're genuine.

happy holidays

steve

Posted by steve waugh at December 23, 2005 5:51 AM

Tom --

I have not visited in a while and do not know why I did this morning...now maybe I understand. Sometimes Tom while giving the "correct" answer to questions our integrity, character and emotions can overcome our logic and we just speak from the heart without regard for others perceptions. Sometimes this is exactly what is needed. As Rainer Maria Rilke said, "It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us."

The gift we receive from giving is at times overwhelming. To listen to someone who is sad and in despair for just fifteen minutes may be all they need. And it may be all you need to have a better perspective. To give without expectation of return. To live completely each moment without shorting the sad moments or trying to prolong the happy ones. Taking a complete bite and savoring each moment of your life.

Tom, I am sure that most of us are missing someone this holiday season. For me it is my father who always opened presents as if he was 6 years old. It has been 16 years and I choose to live my moments of memory completely. I wish you peace during the holidays and that you bring to life through your memories what is now missing. You have helped many during down times and I thank you.

To everyone else who comments here, remember that someday, somewhere, someone may cross your path and need help...you may not be able to give them money, it may not be the right thing to do, you may not be able to give them shelter, however, they may only need you to ask if they are okay and then listen for 15 minutes.

Thanks to all of you who have made a difference for me. Happy Holidays to you and your families.

Randy

Posted by Randy Reynolds at December 23, 2005 8:06 AM

Tom, my best to you and hope you can relax and have a full recovery.

My wife and I lived for six years in Africa. It is a most difficult place. And so, yes, anything any of us can do is a good thing.

As a follower of Christ, the issue of poverty is one of concern to me. On the one hand, I impact that by leading my company so we can continue to provide good jobs and steady employment. At another level, I stay involved with groups that help. At a personal level, I'll be ringing a bell for the local Salvation Army tomorrow, Christmas Eve.

We each can do something. Thanks for your encouragement, Tom.

Merry Christmas.

Posted by Joe Ely at December 23, 2005 8:25 AM

The USA constantly beats itself up with, "poor Africa and we're so rich and horrible here in the West". In actual fact, your government is doing the MOST and the BEST action that any country in the world is doing. Did you know there the tarrifs on goods made in Africa coming to the USA are ZERO? Here in Canada, our tarrifs on African goods are large.
I have clients in Canada who organize the manufacturing of textile goods (sweaters) and shoes who are busy diverting their production from China to a variety of African countries and doing well. Target and Nordstrums and many more retailers are their clients. This market mechanism of tarrifs is working in a powerful way.
That to me - an African - is the only way. Let Africa help itself.
Also, I experienced (through IBM South Africa and others) how American business acts as a role model in Africa in regards to how to treat your staff and the importance of corporate values.
Take some credit, America! You are a great country with terrific business people. You are having such a positive impact on the world.
Possibly, you do so well because you do have Tom Peters telling you the tough stuff (and the love marks stuff!) American smartness, both in business in Africa and in the reduction in business tarrifs, will do so much more than the usual cash. Thank you, America.
Wishing you well, Mr Peters. You have been a guiding light to my career.

Posted by Jacoline Loewen at December 23, 2005 9:13 AM

Thanks Tom for the inspiring words - look forward soon to seeing how 2006 should be planned for.

In the least I pledge to be a 30 minute radical diplomatic activist each week - amazing what a few calls, e-mails, and letters can do. Health, wealth and happiness to all - and lets not forget that many of us in the USA are supporting 4 people just by paying the tax load of an "affluent" society member ...

Posted by Sean at December 23, 2005 9:51 AM

Happy Christmas Tom, and to everyone else here who celebrates it. Be mindful of fairness and compassion with every decision you make in 2006.

Don't be tentative with your hugs this time of year.

Remember to 'be' yourself, not only when giving presentations, but mostly when in the presence of family and friends.

...and don't drink the egg nog if it was left out overnight.

Posted by Tom O'Leary at December 23, 2005 11:00 AM

Thanks for the holiday wishes, Tom, and thanks for the guidance and inspiration you have given me over the years. This is the first time I am posting here, but I have been an avid reader of this website, and have read all your books, Tom -- most of them several times. I am a violinist in a major symphony orchestra -- a high level occupation in many ways, but also very conducive to an "employee" mentality. Your books have helped me to broaden my outlook and my activities, to become "Roy Inc." I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I couldn't agree more about
"What right do we have to bitch & moan about a handful of jobs going to India & China?"
Having reaped the benefits of free market competition on the global stage for a century or more -- all of a sudden some Americans are crying because India and China are following our example. I think the only truly moral stance is to support what is best for the whole world even if it is not best for us.
Very best wishes for the holidays and for another WOW year.

Posted by Roy Sonne at December 23, 2005 12:14 PM

And agree or disagree with why we are there, I would urge many thoughts and prayers to our wonderful men and women serving overseas. Heros one and all.
Happy Holidays

Posted by Bruce D at December 23, 2005 12:14 PM

Tom,

I have the utmost respect for you. In following your "best-of-the-best" tout with the "unimaginable burdens that the rich states are as usual mostly ignoring" jab, you have illustrated a fundamental flaw in our society. While I'm buying an unnecessary $5 cup of coffee, and you're paying a premium for the personal satisfaction that comes with "best-of-the-best" medical service, we're both guilty of "ignoring" real global needs.

Until all our rich state brothers & sisters (you and I included) stop paying for small, incremental amounts of marginal utility that generate little/no world-changing impact, and start behaving like the Jewish carpenter you described in your post, don't expect those burdens to decrease. I'm all-in. How about you?

God Bless!

DP
dougpoppen@yahoo.com

Posted by Doug Poppen at December 23, 2005 12:47 PM

I wish you merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year. We will join again in this place in 2006.

Posted by Felix Gerena at December 23, 2005 3:25 PM

Tom

Thank you for the work you do and for this provocative site; I thoroughly enjoy reading the commentary here. All the best to you and your family for this holiday season. May you be blessed with good health in 2006

Posted by Brad Hersack at December 23, 2005 8:14 PM

Tom, a couple of weeks ago your colleague had a post The View from Home. He lamented what had happened to our manufacturing landscape, but the consensus on your site was we did it to ourselves. But we do not learn. Today the US is fairly dominant in tech especially software, services. But our software vendors are fat - Microsoft has 85% gross margins, Oracle 75%. IBM and Accenture both have over 10,000 staff each in India and elsewhere and their pricing in still 2-3 times that of Indian vendors. And the Indians have 60% of all CMM Level 5 sites in the world - kind of a gold standard in s/w development quality. We drive our business based on healthy margins, not customer needs or product innovation, then act surprised when others come in lower or better, Next time someone asks you the offshoring question, do not feel defensive. Ask them in return why IBM and Oracle are allowing that business to go overseas. I work with CIOs and help them source technology. Believe me they do not enjoy the heat, poverty, jet lag etc etc of doing business in Bombay or Shanghai...but we try to embarrass them for offshoring. They are not the villians. The IBMs and Oracles are. 10 years from now your colleague will drive down 101 in the Bay area/Silicon Valley and ask the same question about what happened. Unless we learn fast...

Posted by Vinnie Mirchandani at December 24, 2005 11:08 PM

on previous comment i meant to also say the average s/w co invests 15% in R&D - but at least half of that goes in to bug fixes and help desk/web support - so only about 8% of revs goes towards new product innocvation/development. So gross margins of 75 to 80% percent and 8% towards innovation. You wonder why CIOs are scouring the world for competing products?

Posted by Vinnie Mirchandani at December 24, 2005 11:18 PM

Speaking of those left behind, whether in Africa, Indonesia, Asia or Latin America there is much that "we" can do about it. We don't have to wait for the government to solve all the problems - we can take action ourselves we can be part of the solution.

Here's a couple of books anyone can read on the subject of poverty and child poverty in developing nations.

"To Small to Ignore: Why children are the next big thing" by Dr. Wess Stafford

Another book to challenge anyone who is a practicing Christian,
"Scandal Of The Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like The Rest Of The World?" by Ronald Sider

A New Year beckons and maybe this year will be the year where more people will take action to reduce the need of the poorest of the poor. Perhaps it will be in the form of a commitment to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

Posted by Dan Weigold at December 26, 2005 9:41 PM

Happy Christmas and New Year Tom (and all the others who make this site so worthwhile) ... thank you for all the hard work you've done to shake up an otherwise idle and beligerant Western corporate melangerie ...

... your work has changed and will change the future we find ourselves in.

Daniel

Posted by Daniel M. Harrison at December 28, 2005 10:36 AM

Daniel ... Nice! " ... idle and belligerent Western corporate melangerie."

Posted by tom peters at December 28, 2005 11:02 AM

Tom,

Thanks for having the courage to talk about the "Jewish Carpenter". Many Christians (I am definitely in this camp) often need to be reminded that we should be less meek in professing our faith. There are also many "business lessons" that we can learn from this carpenter, including as Felix suggests, lessons about consumption.

Blessings.

Carlos

Posted by Carlos Leyva at December 28, 2005 12:23 PM

Tom - best wishes to you, your wonderful staff and your family...I wish I could live another 100 years because of the innovation in technology that our young people around the world are going to produce ... I know that I am a lucky woman to work in the engineering internet technology field and this year I will be traveling to India, China and hopefully, Africa and I just find the world so fascinating, people so inspiring and my grandchildren so beautiful and gut-renchingly funny and so full of hope for their future. I say a gratitude prayer every morning because I know that I am not promised tomorrow and then I do my best to learn, create, contribute, care about, be humble, make my family and friends know how much I love them and appreciate them and talk to God all the time on how to improve the planet...always before I go to bed, I check the Tom Peters site because you inspire me and make me think of new angles in business to pursue and I am grateful for you, Tom...Thanks for sharing this past year all your thoughts and insights - I wish you many more .....

Suzanne G.

Posted by suzanne.g at December 29, 2005 12:28 PM

Tom,

I lost my mom this year. Makes me tell everyone that I love them every time I see them.

She was born on Christmas... so it is is pretty poinant that day.

best to you and yours.

I sure enjoy your site!

Michael

Posted by michael christopher at January 2, 2006 10:59 PM