Yes, a book.
I’ve decided to write …a book. I guess by that I mean I have been writing. This year.
I should have said I’ve decided to publish.

What would I write about?
Politics? After all I was an elected official.

Or maybe an enlightened treatise on man’s continued inhumanity to man.
Or a must read novel that would be a basis for a movie? Or something else.

Or…Maybe I stick to something I know a little about.

I’ve been writing this blog for awhile now. It’s enabled me to continue “talking” about what I did for a living, some 25 plus years. But, I don’t write the blog as a “know it all expert.” No. I’m far from it.

I started it because I hoped to share my experiences good and bad so that others might discover some use learning from my mistakes. You may not know this, but it was never my intent to pursue a career in labor relations. I was going to make my mark on this world by going into politics. Elected office. I wanted to make a real difference. Even if it was a small one.

Both of my mother’s parents were elected to the LaSalle County Board of Supervisors.
Figured it was hereditary, so I ran too. For the Winnebago County Board. I even was elected the Chairman of the Board. One of the youngest ever elected in the history of the County, maybe even the State. I’m not sure. I never checked into it. It’s not important. And, I served 16 years. That’s it. That’s my political career.

Years ago, I transferred to another state agency to get a pay increase so I could both support my family AND run for a higher office. That transfer to another agency ultimately ended in my entry into labor relations. I was hired to work in an employees’ education program with the University of Illinois. I jumped at the opportunity because I thought I would get free tuition. More money AND free tuition! That’s what I thought.

Then the program was transferred to another state agency and I was too. Transferred to the State’s personnel agency; in the labor relations division.

That’s how I fell into the Labor relations. And became a negotiator.

No prior training. No law degree. I had to learn, and relearn, how to get along with people who didn’t want to agree with me, at all. One of my first assignments was to attend a 2 day training on the State’s collective bargaining agreement with our largest union. After the first hour, I skipped out. My mind was numb and bored. What did I get myself into? And then, within a year, I was directed to teach that very same course!

A quick 23 years later and I left as a full time employee and became a consultant!
And 2 years later here I am.

So back to the question, Am I really going to write a book?

I’ve gone back and forth because.. it’s scary!
What if no one likes it? Can I just leave myself out there on the farthest limb on the tree, will I fall, will someone catch me? Can I handle the criticism?

I’ve decided to do it.
I think I have something to offer. Some may consider it helpful.
And that’s all I want to do. To share. My experiences.

And if someone doesn’t likes it, I’m OK with that too.
Because the rules I’ve written about, I’ve actually used to reach resolutions. They worked for me.
I think they’ll work for you too.
And not just if you’re negotiating a contract. No, these rules work if you’re trying to reach a resolution in your personal life.

And just how would I know? Well, I use them everyday.

So coming soon, my entry into the published world: a book on how to reach resolutions.
Reaching Resolutions: 10 Rules for Success

Maybe now I can make a small difference.

JT

Here is a photo of my grandparents hard at work and making a difference at their grocery store.

And here is Mia and Vincent!!! click the vid link below!