Author: mrhensonllc

The Power of Unplugging

I recently ran across the following quote from Anne Lamott: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”  When I read that quote, I was actually in the middle of an extended time of “unplugging” from my normal routine.  My family and I headed to our property in […]

I’m Back!

It’s been a while since I published on my blog.  I believe it’s been over three months.  If you followed my posts, you may have been wondering where I’ve been, what I’ve been doing, or if I’ve given up on writing.  Well, as Arnold said in “The Terminator” movie – I’m back! What have I […]

Time with Dad

Late last year, I had the honor and privilege of spending three weeks with my then 90-year-old father.  My wife and I purchased a house and some acreage in East Tennessee, and I wanted to show Dad the property.  He lives in north Texas, so I flew to meet him and then drove him the […]

Work/Life Balance

The past few years, there’s been a lot of talk and writing (books, articles, blogs) about the topic of balancing work and life.  What exactly is “work/life balance” and can you actually balance competing demands of a career with your personal life?  I’d like to add my opinion to the mix, starting with a story. […]

Are You Indispensable?

According to dictionary.com, the definition of indispensable is: Adjective Absolutely necessary, essential, or requisite Incapable of being disregarded or neglected Noun A person or thing that is indispensable. I have heard it said that the secret to success is to make yourself indispensable at your job, career, or vocation.  As a teenager, I accepted that.  […]

Leadership Lessons from Dick Winters

I am a big World War II history buff.  One of my favorite books, “Band of Brothers” by Stephen Ambrose was made into a wonderful HBO series.  If you’ve seen this series, or have read the book, you know who Dick Winters is.  If not, Dick Winters was one of the first officers of Easy […]

Bitter or Better?

“When something bad happens to you, you have a choice to be bitter or better.  There’s only one letter difference between those two words, but a world of difference between the response.”  I don’t remember where I heard this, but was profoundly changed by this approach to dealing with bad outcomes.  I’ve used this concept […]

Retirement Reflections

(Originally written June 13, 2018 – please read all the way for an update from 2021) I just recently celebrated my 39-year service anniversary at Chevron.  I’ve attended retirement celebrations for many friends lately.  I’m asked frequently by coworkers when I’m retiring.  At this date, I still haven’t decided when I’ll retire.  I have spent […]