The Common Good

This week started with the Southern Business Deans Summer Workshop. It’s always great to hear about what’s happening at other schools, how they’re addressing their challenges, and the impact they’re making. Every session this year had something of value to offer. From innovative industry collaborations to fundraising, the AACSB standards refresh, and discussions about AI. It’s rewarding to see all the schools, from small liberal arts colleges to large R1s, working together to improve business education and be a force for good.

Then the weather decided to play havoc with travel in the southeast. According to Flight Aware, there were 7,575 delays and 745 cancellations. Unfortunately, I contributed to those statistics. But I’ve traveled enough to go with the flow. Watching the other passengers, it was amazing to see how they were working together, respecting and helping one another. Now, there was the occasional person who couldn’t understand how weather was creating havoc and thought the airline should just make it happen, but they were the exception.

It struck me how much smoother things go when everyone’s focused on the common good. Whether it was a room full of deans sharing ideas to improve business education, or a crowd of travelers weathering delays together, you could see the difference when people helped each other out. Sure, there are always a few who get frustrated, but most folks pulled together, and that made all the difference. When we prioritize the group’s well-being—whether in academics or simply trying to get home—everything works a little better for everyone involved.

YOU make a difference!

Ponder this with me …

Credit to Copilot, Grammarly, and Gemini for the assist.