Isn’t it interesting as to how we absently come to focus on certain things. And how that focus can drive our emotions for a period of time. This thought came to me while reviewing the warehouse line status report Roy so diligently sends out each morning. While the report doesn’t tell the entire story, it sure gives a snapshot and begins to set-up some of my behavior for the day. It can quickly put a frown or smile on one’s face.

This morning, upon reading the report, I had thoughts of;

Wow, we’ve only been using GMAC’s line again for 10 days or so and it has come down by 400k. Good turnover
Good deal….the NattyMac line is increasing; this means we are funding some AUS/BBT loans. I’m glad it’s not all GMAC product right now.
Wow, the 1st Star line has come down almost 3 million the past.
This means we are getting really good turnover. Thanks Kandy.

I smiled. But then I wondered….”what else is going on?”

We’ve behaved our way very well these past few weeks. It was refreshing to get MaryR’s email on Friday about all the loans being purchased.. Everyone, please, give Kandy a big hi-five for a great job she is doing.

Over the past few days, setting through my class, I’ve thought a lot about how we’ve come through some tough times the past few months. That’s not to say that we haven’t come through others over the past 10 years, because we have. What has been particularly gratifying is how much better we lived out our Mission and Values this time; or, at least I want to say we have; we include each of you…how have you lived out our corporate values?

Speaking of values and behavior…We invested almost $10,000 of direct cost in the QBQ classes last year. The further investment of your participation time puts the price tag up close to $20,000. Personal accountability is at the core of the QBQ classes and accepting personal accountability is at the core of how well we’ve behaved these past few months. It is not an accident that our behavior has improved over the last year. Our improved behavior is a direct result of that investment last year and that was money well spent. In part, I bring this up because we circle back around to our QBQ classes beginning today. Those that are not in the classes need to be aware the classes are going on and who is in the classes. And the refocus on what and how questions that begin with I and causes action. I look forward to the continued improvement in our performance and behavior as a direct result of participation in these classes.

I’ve attached a paper to this email. Though a bit daunting, this paper is an easier read than the entire book of which the paper is a summary of. For a look into part of the madness behind my methods, review this paper. It will give you a bit of a look into what I am focusing on as we work through these next few days and weeks. Without doubt, changes are in the wind and I want you all to be aware as to how all encompassing these changes need to be. We will have changes in each of the 3 process; people, operations, and strategy. We must be purposeful about the changes. Or they will, again, be imposed on us.

As I mentioned in a couple of meetings yesterday, I’m thinking about June, concerned about the volumes (or lack of) and thinking about what I’d be thinking; I’d be thinking…”what could I have done back in April to have caused business to be better?”

When you see me walking around the office and wonder what I’m up to, that’s it…thinking what can I do now to not be thinking in June about what I could have been doing back on April 24th to not have to have been have this thought in June. In short, I’m thinking about performance, behavior, creativity, personal accountability, mission statements, values, and doing things because they are the right thing to do.

And how do I get everyone to engage. Oh yea, clarity. I’ve got to be clear…


With humility…..as mud,


Danny