Good manners and the “Dump” What do you do for me? and what do I do for you?

My gifted computer advisor, JP, was brought up with his grandfather’s impeccable good manners.

His grandfather, originally from England, became the Dean of Law at University of British Columbia, and he was held in such esteem that a law building was named after him.

I learnt a great deal from JP, not the least were good manners, at least the fundamental ones of saying "please" and "thank-you!"

One day I asked JP.

“Look, JP, from you I learn good manners,

But what do you learn from me?”

JP didn’t hesitate for a moment

“Dump!”

(If you’re wondering what “dump” is all about, let me explain. It’s the first lesson I give brilliant students who think that everything you

present to the “boss” has to be perfectly formatted.

The Bernstein philosophy is very simple. When you’re busy drafting something for the first time, Like a web page or a promotion email,

YOU DON’T FORMAT the first draft. YOU DUMP IT ONTO THE SCREEN so that the problems can jump out at you in their natural habitat-to-be.)

But I must confess, I always felt JP’s answer didn’t do me justice!

So a year later, I asked him again.

“Look, JP, from you I learn good manners.

But what do you learn from me…….IN ADDITION TO “DUMP!”

And again, JP didn’t hesitate for a moment.

“Your stories. Each one illustrates a lesson learnt from life. The stories help me remember the life lesson.

JP paused………..and then added…………..

“Besides, your stories help me understand my Jewish computer clients!”