Compassionate Samurai for February 2010
I have long loved this book “The Compassionate Samurai” by Brian Klemmer. I think it should be required reading in every school, in every nation. But, I think I’ve mentioned this before 
In summary, the 10 codes of a Compassionate Samurai include:
- Commitment – doing what you say you’re going to do.
- Personal Responsibility – you are who and what you are because of the choices YOU make.
- Contribution – How can I serve?
- Focus – focus & concentration, on anything.
- Honesty – say what you mean, mean what you say.
- Honor – hold your principles above personal benefits.
- Trust – have the capacity to trust others & yourself with their life, and the wisdom to know when to do so.
- Abundance – there is no free lunch, being whole and complete within yourself, and not depended on external forces.
- Boldness – be willing to take educated risks.
- Knowledge – a constant eagerness to learn and practical wisdom of applying said knowledge.
Why the recap? Because this morning, I was reminded we have Compassionate Samurai all around us, if we’re willing to look. And you know what? I’m willing to look and to find, and more importantly, to SHARE. I found this in my email, waiting for me:
When You Stop Dreaming You Stop Living
If you want to enlarge your life, you must first enlarge your thought of it and yourself.
Hold the image of yourself as you long to be, the image of what you long to obtain, the image of health, efficiency and success.
You can lift yourself by your thoughts. Your vision will allow you surmount the highest obstacles. High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.
What you see is what you get.
You’ll become as small as your controlling desire or as great as your dominant aspiration. The courage to follow your dreams is your first step towards destiny.
You can live your dreams.
Have a great networking day.
Harry “Your Computer Guy”
Let me tell you a little about Harry.
Harry is a United States Army Casualty Notification NCO. His job with the Army is to call the families of soldier’s lost in battle and to inform them of said loss. (I had to go double check with him on the title. I’m still in shock over the fact that someone has THAT job to do.)
Harry is a big guy, soft spoken and the sweetest man you’ll find. The fact he has to do this on a DAILY BASIS can break your heart, and it will after speaking only a few minutes with him. Yet, this man, who is so swamped with sadness and calling families with news, thoughtfully left me the best ever voice mail on my birthday. I was sad I missed talking with him. On the other hand, I saved that voice mail and played it for several months after because it never failed to bring a smile to my face. Harry is almost out of the Army. He doesn’t complain about what he does for work, although sometimes, you can tell it’s wearing on him. He’s ready to be out and focus on some more positive work: his computer business, his Usana business, and more importantly, his family.
MBS Works Compassionate Samurai Feb 2010 - Harry Jamison
Find Harry at:
He is one of those who I’ve seen demonstrate all 10 of those codes.
Thus, he deserves the title of Compassionate Samurai. And, so long as Mr. Klemmer doesn’t get after me for playing off his book title, I’m handing out Samurai badges because 1) of the people I meet in life and 2) because the book stuck such a nerve with me that I can only hope that one day, I earn one of those badges too.
The first time I ever heard Harry tell me what he does for a living, I was completely floored. It saddened me so much, all I could do was give him a hug. He is such an amazing man and I am proud to say that I know him. Thank you for the recognition you bestowed upon him. He is truly worthy.
I think that was my response to Nanda. Now, every time I see him, I have to offer up hugs. I don’t think I could do what he’s had to for those families. And, I couldn’t think of anyone better who suited the ideal.
Stacia thank you so much for your kind words. I never in my wildest dreams would have ever thought that I would be contacting a Soldiers family to give them the worst possible news that they would ever want to hear. You are right, it has taken it’s toll on me but I manage. I learned to appreciate life because you never know when it will be over. I have to give alot of credit to my wife Robin who has been there for me when I needed someone to talk too, a shoulder to lean on. Also to friends like Stacia, Nick, my whole BNI family who was and has been there for me the whole time. Thank you again. I have to thank Max Steingart for the daily motivation, I just pass it on.
Harry is compassion incarnate. I have never heard Harry have an unkind word for someone nor has he ever failed to put a smile on a face. To know that he has been charged with such an awesome task gives me pause and hope for humanity. His heart is so big I am sure he not only performs the task but leaves the families with a sense of hope and purpose even through their loss. As a soldier he, I have no doubt, does his duty with the honor that the office deserves, but as a human being he has more than excelled. How brave of him to do that every day.
I am in awe of him.