The 7 Secrets of Neuron Leadership

Chapter 4Dorothy's Journey—Neuron Secret One

If we walk far enough, we shall sometime come to someplace.

—DOROTHY (FIGURE 4.1) IN THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ

Figure 4.1 Dorothy

Source: Anna Velichkovsky, Dreamstime.com.

NEURON SECRET ONE

The Principle of Prosperity: To prosper, you must love yourself by being humble and teachable.

Captain E. Royce Williams grew up in the small rural town of Clinton, Minnesota. He got a taste of the military life in high school by becoming a corporal in the Minnesota Guard. He recalls living through the depressing years of the Great Depression and hearing his mother and father whisper with worry about keeping food on the table. Scarcity became a way of life, and Royce's parents often admonished him to be frugal and stay alert—the latter to ensure he did not make mistakes that could cost them money they did not have. Royce learned early on to listen to and respect his elders, and to remain humble and teachable.

When Royce was 11, one of his idols was a man named Ted Swank. The man owned a local gas station and used his profits to buy fast toys. Swank bought a motorcycle and charged people for rides around the town. One day Royce climbed onto the back of Swank's bike and strapped on a helmet. When Swank punched it, Royce almost fell off the back. Then he grinned.

“I think I always had the need for speed,” said Royce, “but once I got a taste ...