Leadership Information


What We Can Learn From J. Paul Getty


J. Paul Getty planned to enter the U.S. Diplomatic Service, but, when he got out of college, the Oklahoma oil boom caught his attention. Since his father had already prospered in the oil business, he was irresistibly attracted to the prospects of wildcatting, and he decided to postpone his diplomatic ambitions for two more years.

He worked on other wildcatter's rigs and borrowed money from his father to raise money for oil speculation. His father only gave him small amounts of money and demanded prompt repayment.

J. Paul Getty spent his money frugally, and also saved money through haggling over prices.

At first his speculations did not go well, and a diplomatic career looked increasingly inviting. Then, early in 1916, he secured a bargain price of $500 on a lease and the well he sank produced 700 barrels a day. Suddenly, at the age of 23, he made a fortune.

Years later, journalists would ask him about his lucky beginning. They wondered how he knew that the well was so rich. He responded that he had gathered all the necessary geological facts from experts and the spot appeared to have been a good one.

"But," he added, " as for actually knowing what the outcome would be that was impossible. If there were a way to be a hundred percent sure where rich oil deposits are, nobody would ever sink a dry well."

"Oil prospecting is like any other venture in life, from getting married to buying a car...there is always an element of chance, and you must be willing to live with that element."

"If you insist on perfect certainty, you will never be able to make any decisions at all. You will simply paralyze yourself."

Resource Box

Saleem Rana got his Masters degree in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable life

Copyright 2004 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass thisarticle on to your friends, or use it in your ezine ornewsletter. It's a shareware article.


MORE RESOURCES:

Boston.com

Ford's leadership pushes deeper into era of stability
The Detroit News
The next generation of leadership at Ford Motor Co. is quietly stepping up, a refreshing change from the frequent executive drama before CEO Alan Mulally arrived more than five years ago. In a sweeping move Thursday, the automaker said that Chief ...
Ford CFO Lewis Booth and Global Product Chief Derrick Kuzak to Retire; Veteran ...MarketWatch (press release)
Ford announces retirements of Kuzak and Booth, adds Huntsman to boardAutoblog (blog)

all 432 news articles »


Compare Pre Paid

First Financial Service Corporation Announces Leadership Changes
MarketWatch (press release)
10, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- First Financial Service Corporation /quotes/zigman/93325/quotes/nls/ffky FFKY +6.67% today announced the following changes in the leadership of the Company and its subsidiary, First Federal Savings Bank of ...
First Financial Service Corporation Announces Leadership Changes; Chairman ...Benzinga

all 35 news articles »


CBC.ca

Crime-fighting hero's detention shakes up Chinese leadership
Vancouver Sun
The drive for a top post in China's coming leadership shuffle by Bo Xilai, the flamboyant and publicity-hungry Communist party boss of Chongqing, has hit a patch of black ice with the detention of his deputy and longtime political sidekick.
Sidelined police chief sparks China leadership intrigueChannel News Asia
China's Forthcoming Political TransitionCenter For American Progress
Live Tweeting China's Power StruggleWall Street Journal (blog)
Bloomberg -Business Insider -Washington Post
all 684 news articles »


Roland Martin, CNN, GLAAD and the silence of black leaders
Washington Post (blog)
I know firsthand that many in the so-called black “leadership” were quick to call Martin to appear on his TV show or to get him to write a supportive newspaper column about one of their causes. But now that he is in trouble, not one voice is to be ...

and more »


Leadership Oklahoma to honor four
NewsOK.com
Melvin Moran, Bill W. Burgess Jr., Pioneer Telephone Cooperative Inc. and BancFirst will be honored at Leadership Oklahoma's annual Excellence in Leadership gala Feb. 11. Leadership Oklahoma will honor four state leaders Feb.

and more »


New York Times

Ford's Theatre Center for Education and Leadership opens to study Abraham ...
Art Daily
A pair of shoes with Abraham Lincoln's face printed on them are among the items on exhibit in the Ford's Theatre Center for Education and Leadership in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012. The new museum, located across from Ford's Theatre and next ...
Lincoln Museum, Act II, the Morning After His Death and BeyondNew York Times
Ford's Theatre opens center to study Lincoln in DCAtlanta Journal Constitution

all 256 news articles »


Community leader reflects on post-Katrina efforts, encourages service
K-State Collegian
On Thursday, Minh Nguyen spoke to students about leadership and the foundation he helped create after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to help a Vietnamese community. The presentation took place at the Leadership Studies Building at 4 pm Students, ...

and more »


Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Announces Leadership Transition
Sacramento Bee
"Throughout my tenure, the hard work, dedication and devotion of our physicians and employees have helped Jefferson become a leader in healthcare enabling it to increase its ability to treat the most complex healthcare needs as well as treat many of ...

and more »


Highway Bill Tests Boehner's Leadership
Wall Street Journal
The measure's failure would be a blow to Mr. Boehner's leadership, and he is scrambling to win support. The bill contains no earmarks, which adheres to Republican campaign themes, but the debate surrounding the measure shows how that promise, ...

and more »


FdL Association of Commerce leaders look to future
Fond du Lac Reporter
He said the AC provides a voice for the business community, amplifying its issues and stances to government leaders and relevant organizations. Over the years, the organization has been dedicated to initiatives that stand to benefit the community.

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2007