The Business Quiz

MICHAEL A. HUMBERT

President

The Alternative Board of Eastern Iowa

Cedar Rapids

What was the last movie you saw?

“The King's Speech.” There were two important messages that struck me.

(The first was) the immense importance of effective communications among people, and how frustrating and damaging it is when something impedes communications - in this case, King George's speech impediment.

(The second was) the importance of having someone who respects you, tells you the brutal truth and holds you accountable - as speech coach Lionel Logue did for the king.

Where is your favorite place to get away?

In the words of the Jimmy Buffett, we want to get away to “St. Somewhere” - St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Thomas. Being on an island is ethereal, especially at night with a clear sky, billions of stars above and the sound of waves.

It centers us and reminds us of how small most of our worries truly are.

What's the best day of the week to be in a meeting? What's the best time of day?

There is no better or worse day, or better or worse time for a truly meaningful and productive meeting.

The problem with meetings - and why they generally have a profoundly negative reputation - is that they are often poorly conceived, organized and managed. As a result, the time devoted doesn't match the output and people feel abused.

I've been involved in Monday morning meetings and Friday afternoon meetings and some that began at 6 a.m. and others at 6 p.m. When these were thoughtfully organized and led with purpose, these sessions were stimulating.

What do you always have close at hand at your desk?

Always at the ready are an eraser and a dictionary.

Did you start out in this line of work?

I began my professional career as a copywriter. Over the years, this led me to explore the critical role of interpersonal and organizational communications.

I haven't had an overarching career plan. I have simply allowed this focus on effective human communications to present opportunities to help organizations and their leaders to be better in presenting their ideas and vision.

Today, I work specifically with the owners of small businesses in Eastern Iowa, helping them develop and articulate their visions for their respective organizations. Their ability to progress toward their vision is mostly about communication with staff, customers, business partners and many others.

How did you happen to come to live and work in Eastern Iowa?

I was raised in Sioux City and graduated from the University of Iowa. Following graduation I joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed near Phoenix, Arizona.

I enjoyed Arizona and had little intention of returning to Iowa. It wasn't that I disliked Iowa - it was that I didn't believe I'd find a challenging career here.

However, after I left the Air Force, the magic of networking resulted in a job writing advertising copy at Amana Refrigeration Inc., in Amana.

Soon after I returned, I rode my bicycle across the state on one of the RAGBRAI (bicycling) events. The people I met and the scenery I saw on the ride made me fall in love with Iowa, and I've never wanted to leave.