Fortune Magazine’s most recent issue challenged a wide variety of business and government leaders to share the The Best Advice I Ever Got. I think that’s a great challenge and encourage readers to share those that have been meaningful in their life.

One in particular always comes to mind for me.Back in the Stone Age during my formative years, the Chairman of the first company I joined in private industry was an irascible and tough disciplinarian.

(A few years earlier, in boot camp, I think I saw his alter ego wearing a Smokey Bear hat.)

What Would You Do if You Didn’t Get Your Paycheck?

Anyway, he summoned me into his office one day and asked me “What would you do if you didn’t get your check on payday?” Fortunately, before I fumbled around with something like “I dunno”, he answered his own question. (more…)