HOBBY # 1--When I am away from the office, I
write "how to.." books related to career development and leadership
and, of course, communication in today's crazy world. In the past, I have
worked with many organizations as a consultant or trainer within the broad
spectrum of organizational communication development strategic planning. I
really do enjoy helping organizations and people survive and grow during
difficult times. If you would like more information about the consulting aspect
just click on this link: Consulting
HOBBY # 2--Reading and collecting fictional
book series has become another way of relaxing in a productive manner. I have
quite a collection of western stories, many of which are famous for geographic
accuracy.
HOBBY # 3--My best relaxing agent has become
"bowling!" I know what you are thinking, how in the world does a person
with a Ph.D., a person with over 100 books, articles and presentations, a
person seriously involved in higher education administration, a person who
provides communication consulting advice to organizational leaders across the
United States, a person who hates smoking, doesn't swear, does NOT get drunk,
and has a wonderful loving family, ever get mixed up with the sport of bowling?
Well, the short answer is that I have been
lucky enough to be a pretty fair bowler (averaged 210), I enjoy the shift in perspective
that happens when switching from the university setting to a local bowling
center (the view from the ivory tower is very different than the view from the
ground), I enjoy the people, and I enjoy the challenge of knowing that I cannot
put the blame for failure upon any one else in the world except myself.
I will have to admit there is also something
special about bowling. It is the only sport I have found where, in a specific
instance, you can do everything correctly and fail (not get a strike) or do
everything incorrectly and succeed (get a strike). This does absolute wonders
for my hat size and keeps me in touch with a reality that I bring back into my
teaching and research efforts. It also helps me to keep a long term view of
success or failure!
Well, enough about my "hobbies and
stuff." I do suggest you check out the Research Initiatives and
Opportunities section for information about some really unique
communication discoveries.
Dr. Will Powers
Dept. of Communication Studies
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX 76129