First off, something fun: thanks to those of you who have begun RSVP'ing for the holiday party! We skipped last year due to a variety of issues but prior years have always been quite fun (I say, as the host!) so please please try to make it if you can! This year the event will be at the Endicott Mansion in Dedham, MA - rooms available and you can expense them if you are a TS employee coming from out of state. If you are a TS employee or sub and for any reason you didn't get an invite - let me know! You really are invited! TS veterans will recall that this is the one event of the year that we do with no customers involved, so we can relax and let loose a little. We do invite company Friends and business partners, and spouses or significant others are all invited as well. Dress is - well, people will probably end up going business casual for the most part - but its whatever you want. This is for you guys, lets have fun with it. Personally I'm going in a tux**.

In other news, I've been thinking alot lately about a quote from some military general or other that has been stuck in my mind. I paraphrase: "to be a good leader you need 2 things: honesty and courage." This stuck with me perhaps because it is so short and sweet. It leaves out a raft of other neat leadership qualities and really focuses attention on just these 2. And I found myself largely in agreement. Now, to be sure, a TS employee - leader or not - needs honesty, courage, intellect, work ethic, interpersonal skills, and more. But I thought it was neat to just focus on what you'd have with just these 2. And perhaps, what you'd have without either one. These aren't just qualities for a leader to have, they are qualities for life. For anyone's life. Two important things that will make your life a happier place. Reminds me a bit of this post I wrote a while back on honesty and integrity as core company values.

Take care, see you all at the holiday party!

-Ed

** not true.