It was written on the whiteboard in the boss’s office. And regardless of the other problems that were outlined and solved on that whiteboard, the three words remained. They symbolized not only how things were approached, but they came to shape the young professionals in the office — many of whom have gone on to lead other organizations.
“Encourage alternative opinions”
My first exposure to Santa Barbara came from my weekend military service, each month at the Navy Reserve Center. Looking out at the harbor, the city, and the mountains, I decided I had to move here. So, on each duty weekend, I would buy the Sunday News-Press and scour the help-wanted ads and apply for any position in my field. I would have done about anything.